Shloka 1.17.25

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

Devanagari script

विचालयेयुश्शैलेन्द्रान्भेदयेयुस्स्थिरान्द्रुमान्।क्षोभयेयुश्च वेगेन समुद्रं सरितां पतिम्।।।।

Transliteration

gṛhṇīyur api mātaṅgān mattān pravrajato vane |

nardamānāś ca nādena pātayeyur vihaṅgamān ||

Translation

They could even seize rutting elephants roaming in the forest; and, roaring with their cry, they could make birds in flight fall down.

Context

They could shake mountains and uproot deep-rooted trees. With their speed they could cause disturbance to Samudra, the lord of the rivers.

Characters & Entities

• Mātaṅga (elephants)
• Vana (forest)
• Vihaṅgama (birds)

FAQs

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

The epic emphasizes that dharma’s protection may require overwhelming capability; however, such force is meaningful only when subordinated to righteous leadership and purpose.

What is the narrative situation?

The narrator concludes this sequence by illustrating the Vānaras’ dominance over even powerful animals and the natural world, reinforcing their role as decisive allies.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prabhāva (commanding presence) and bala (strength): an awe-inspiring power that, in the Ramayana’s moral universe, is meant to be harnessed for justice.