Valmiki Ramayana 1.39.22 — Bala Kanda, Sarga 39, Shloka 22

सगरयज्ञाश्वहरणम्

The Stolen Sacrificial Horse of Sagara

Devanagari script

ततो देवास्सगन्धर्वास्सासुरास्सहपन्नगा:।सम्भ्रान्तमनसस्सर्वे पितामहमुपागमन्।।1.39.22।।

Transliteration

tato devāḥ sa-gandharvāḥ sa-āsurāḥ saha-pannagāḥ |

sambhrāntamanasaḥ sarve pitāmaham upāgaman || 1.39.22 ||

Translation

Then the gods—together with Gandharvas, Asuras, and the nāga serpents—alarmed in mind, all approached Pitāmaha Brahmā.

Word by Word

• ततः: then/thereafter
• ततः: Sambandha (सम्बन्ध/Adverbial)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: ततः (अव्यय)
• Form: काल/क्रम-अव्यय (adverb)

• देवाः: gods
• देवाः: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: देव (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-विभक्ति, बहुवचन

• सगन्धर्वाः: with Gandharvas
• सगन्धर्वाः: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: स + गन्धर्व (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, बहुवचन; ‘स-’ = ‘with’ (having/along with)

• सासुराः: with Asuras
• सासुराः: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: स + असुर (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, बहुवचन; ‘with Asuras’

• सहपन्नगाः: together with serpents
• सहपन्नगाः: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: सह + पन्नग (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, बहुवचन; अव्ययीभावः ‘सह पन्नगैः’ = together with serpents

• सम्भ्रान्तमनसः: bewildered in mind
• सम्भ्रान्तमनसः: Viśeṣaṇa (विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: सम् + भ्रान्त + मनस् (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, बहुवचन; बहुव्रीहिः ‘सम्भ्रान्तं मनो येषाम्’ = whose minds were bewildered

• सर्वे: all
• सर्वे: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: सर्व (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, बहुवचन

• पितामहम्: Brahmā (the grandsire)
• पितामहम्: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: पितामह (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, द्वितीया-विभक्ति (Accusative/कर्म), एकवचन

• उपागमन्: approached
• उपागमन्: Kriyā (क्रिया)
• Type: Verb
• Root: उप + गम् (धातु)
• Form: लङ्-लकार (Imperfect/Past), प्रथमपुरुष, बहुवचन; परस्मैपद

Context

Viswamitra addressing the son of the Kakusthas (Rama) with a smile said, "O Rama! hear in detail the story of the magnanimous king Sagara".

Characters & Entities

• Devas
• Gandharvas
• Asuras
• Pannagas (Nāgas/serpents)
• Brahmā (Pitāmaha)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes safeguarding all beings: when disorder spreads, even celestial groups seek higher guidance to restore balance and prevent unjust harm.

What is the narrative situation?

Disturbed by the devastation caused by Sagara’s sons, various classes of beings go to Brahmā for intervention.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Humility before lawful authority: despite power, they appeal to Brahmā rather than escalating conflict.