Shloka 1.17.22

सप्तदशः सर्गः — देवसंवादः तथा वानर-ऋक्ष-उत्पत्तिः (Divine Council and the Generation of Vanara Allies)

Devanagari script

देवा महर्षिगन्धर्वास्तार्क्ष्या यक्षा यशस्विन:।नागा: किम्पुरुषाश्चैव सिद्धविद्याधरोरगा:।।1.17.20।। बहवो जनयामासुर्हृष्टास्तत्र सहस्रश:।वानरान्सुमहाकायान्सर्वान्वै वनचारिण:।।1.17.21।।अप्सरस्सु च मुख्यासु तथा विद्याधरीषु च।नागकन्यासु च तथा गन्धर्वीणां तनूषु च ।।1.17.22।।

Transliteration

śilāpraharaṇāḥ sarve sarve pādapayodhinaḥ |

nakhadaṁṣṭrāyudhāḥ sarve sarve sarvāstrakovidāḥ ||

Translation

All of them could strike with rocks; all could fight using trees; all bore claws and teeth as weapons; and all were skilled in every kind of weapon.

Context

The devatas, rishis, gandharvas, garudas, yakshas, kimpurushas, siddhas, vidyadharas, uragas and many others were immensely pleased. Thousands of gigantic monkeys wandering in forests were procreated from principal apsarasas vidhyadaris, nagas, and gandharvas.

Characters & Entities

• Vānaras

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Competence and preparedness are part of dharma when used to defend the righteous; skill is not glorified for violence but for restoring moral order.

What is the narrative situation?

The text enumerates the Vānaras’ modes of combat—natural weapons and improvised arms—signaling their suitability for the coming struggle.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sāmarthya (capability) and kauśala (skill): effectiveness in action is presented as necessary for dharmic protection.