Shloka 1.40.13

सगरपुत्राणां रसातलगमनम् — The Descent of Sagara’s Sons and the Wrath of Kapila

Devanagari script

सपर्वतवनां कृत्स्नां पृथिवीं रघुनन्दन।।।।शिरसा धारयामास विरूपाक्षो महागज:।

Transliteration

saparvatavanāṃ kṛtsnāṃ pṛthivīṃ raghunandana |

śirasā dhārayāmāsa virūpākṣo mahāgajaḥ || 1.40.13 ||

Translation

“O delight of the Raghu line, the mighty elephant Virūpākṣa bore upon his head the entire earth, together with its mountains and forests.”

Context

O descendant of Raghu! the mighty elephant Virupaksha was holding on its head the entire earth with its mountains and forests.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma (Raghunandana)
• Virūpākṣa
• Pṛthivī (Earth)
• Mountains
• Forests

FAQs

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

Dharma is the idea of dhāraṇa—supporting and sustaining: the cosmos is upheld by appointed powers, mirroring the king’s duty to uphold society.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra describes mythic cosmography, naming Virūpākṣa as one who supports the earth.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadfastness and burden-bearing (dhṛti), presented through the symbol of the world-elephant.