Shloka 1.40.14
सगरपुत्राणां रसातलगमनम् — The Descent of Sagara’s Sons and the Wrath of Kapila
यदा पर्वणि काकुत्स्थ विश्रमार्थं महागज:।।।।खेदाच्चालयते शीर्षं भूमिकम्पस्तदाभवेत्।
yadā parvaṇi kākutstha viśramārthaṃ mahāgajaḥ |
khēdāc cālayate śīrṣaṃ bhūmikampas tadā bhavet ||
O Rāma of the Kakutstha line, when on certain sacred days that mighty elephant, wearied and seeking rest, shakes his head, then the earth trembles and an earthquake arises.
O descendant of Kakustha! when that mighty elephant shakes its head for rest from weariness on certain sacred days earthquake occurs.
Dharma is implied as cosmic order: even natural events (like earthquakes) are presented as arising from the functioning of the world’s sustaining powers, reminding the listener to view the universe as structured and purposeful rather than random.
During the account of Sagara’s sons digging through the earth, the text explains a traditional cosmological reason for earthquakes—movement of a world-supporting elephant.
Rāma’s role as a thoughtful listener is highlighted indirectly: he receives instruction respectfully, a hallmark of disciplined inquiry aligned with dharma.