Shloka 4.40.21

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

Devanagari script

नदीं भागीरथीं रम्यां सरयूं कौशिकीं तथा।।4.40.20।।कालिन्दीं यमुनां रम्यां यामुनं च महागिरिम्।सरस्वतीं च सिन्धुं च शोणं मणिनिभोदकम्।।4.40.21।।महीं कालमहीं चैव शैलकाननशोभिताम्।ब्रह्ममालान्विदेहांश्च मालवान्कालिकोसलान्।।4.40.22।।मागधांश्च महाग्रामान्पुण्ड्रांन्वङ्गां स्तथैव च।पत्तनं कोशकाराणां भूमिं च रजताकराम्।।4.40.23।।

Transliteration

kālindīṃ yamunāṃ ramyāṃ yāmunaṃ ca mahāgirim |

sarasvatīṃ ca sindhuṃ ca śoṇaṃ maṇinibhodakam ||4.40.21||

Translation

Search along the charming Kāлиндī (Yamunā) and the great mountain called Yāmuna; also along the Sarasvatī and the Sindhu, and the Śoṇa whose waters are clear like gems.

Context

'Look for Sita in the beautiful places on rivers Bhagirathi, Sarayu, Kausiki and Kalindi, on the great mountains adjacent to river Yamuna, banks of rivers Saraswati, Sindhu, Sona with crystalclear waters, the country of Mahim and Kalamahi adorned with mountains and forests. Proceed to Brahmamala, Videha, Malava, Kasi, Kosala and Maghada with great villages, the country of Pundram, Vanga, the country famous for silk worms and the land with silver caves. (It is the eastern direction of river Saravati between Himavat and Vindhya and not east of Kiskinda)

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Kālindī
• Yamunā
• Yāmuna (Mahāgiri)
• Sarasvatī
• Sindhu
• Śoṇa

FAQs

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

Dharma is tireless, methodical pursuit of truth: the search must follow real-world markers and proceed with discipline rather than guesswork.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva expands the eastern itinerary, naming rivers and mountains to be covered by the search party.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Determination and accuracy—virtues needed to uphold Rāma’s cause and keep the mission aligned with satya (truthful, verifiable searching).