Shloka 1.39.17

सगरयज्ञाश्वहरणम् — The Stolen Sacrificial Horse of Sagara

Devanagari script

योजनायामविस्तारमेकैको धरणीतलम्।बिभिदु: परुषव्याघ्र वज्रस्पर्शसमैर्नखै:।।1.39.17।।

Transliteration

ity uktā hṛṣṭa-manaso rāja-putrā mahā-balāḥ |

jagmur mahī-talaṁ rāma pitur-vacana-yantritāḥ ||1.39.16||

Translation

Thus instructed, the mighty princes—glad at heart—set out across the earth, O Rāma, driven by obedience to their father’s command.

Context

O Tiger among men! each one of them occupying one yojana in length and breadth of ground, dug up the earth with their nails that were sharp as diamonds.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sagara’s sons (princes)
• earth (mahī)

FAQs

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

Dharma is filial obedience within rightful authority: the princes act in accordance with their father’s command, treating duty as binding.

What is the narrative situation?

After receiving Sagara’s instructions, the sixty thousand sons begin their mission to search the world for the missing horse.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Readiness to serve and collective discipline—prompt execution of an assigned task.