Shloka 4.40.17

पूर्वदिशि सीतामार्गण-नियोगः (Deployment to the Eastern Quarter for the Search of Sita)

Devanagari script

सोमसूर्यात्मजै स्सार्धं वानरैर्वानरोत्तम।।4.40.17।।देशकालनयैर्युक्तः कार्या कार्यविनिश्चये।वृतश्शतसहश्रेण वानराणां तरस्विनाम्।।4.40.18।।अधिगच्छ दिशं पूर्वां सशैलवनकाननाम्।

Transliteration

evam uktas tu sugrīvo vinataṃ nāma yūthapam | abravīd rāma-sānnidhye lakṣmaṇasya ca dhīmataḥ || 4.40.16 ||

śailābhaṃ megha-nirghoṣam ūrjitaṃ plavageśvaraḥ |

Translation

Thus addressed, Sugrīva—the lord of the monkeys—spoke in the presence of Rāma and the wise Lakṣmaṇa, calling the troop-leader named Vinata, mountain-like in stature, thunder-voiced like a cloud, and powerfully built.

Context

'O foremost of the vanaras! march forward with the sons of Moon and Sun, followed by one lakh swift monkeys towards the eastern direction full of mountains, gardens, and forests. Endowed with political wisdom, you are capable of taking right decision in accordance with time and place.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Vinata (yūthapa)

FAQs

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

Dharma is shown as orderly leadership: a righteous mission is executed through clear delegation and disciplined organization, not chaos.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva, responding to Rāma’s request, summons Vinata, a troop-leader, to dispatch forces for the search.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sugrīva’s administrative competence—he promptly appoints capable leaders and acts transparently in Rāma’s presence.