Shloka 1.39.24

सगरयज्ञाश्वहरणम् — The Stolen Sacrificial Horse of Sagara

Devanagari script

भगवन् पृथिवी सर्वा खन्यते सगरात्मजै:।बहवश्च महात्मानो हन्यन्ते तलवासिन:।।1.39.24।।

Transliteration

yojanānāṁ sahasrāṇi ṣaṣṭiṁ tu raghunandana |

bibhidur dharaṇīṁ vīrāḥ rasātalam anuttamam || 1.39.20 ||

Translation

O Raghunandana, the heroic sons of Sagara split open the earth for sixty thousand yojanas, reaching the excellent realm of Rasātala, the netherworld.

Context

O Venerable one! the entire earth is being excavated by the sons of Sagara. Many great beings living in the lower worlds are being killed.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma (Raghunandana)
• Sagara’s sons
• Earth (Dharaṇī)
• Rasātala

FAQs

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

Dharma is cautioned through contrast: immense power and perseverance, when driven by obsession, can violate balance and lead toward harm; righteous aims must be pursued with restraint.

What is the narrative situation?

Sagara’s sons dig relentlessly in their search, penetrating deep into the earth until they reach Rasātala.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Perseverance and strength are shown, but the episode also implicitly questions whether their zeal is guided by discernment (viveka).