Shloka 4.40.26

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

Devanagari script

समुद्रमवगाढांश्च पर्वतान्पत्तनानि च।मन्दरस्य च ये कोटिं संश्रिताः केचिदायताम्।।4.40.25।।कर्णप्रावरणाश्चैव तथा चाप्योष्ठकर्णकाः।घोरलोहमुखाश्चैव जवनाश्चैकपादकाः।।4.40.26।।अक्षया बलवन्तश्च पुरुषाः पुरुषादकाः।किराताः कर्ण चूडाश्च हेमाङ्गा: प्रियदर्शनाः।।4.40.27।।आममीनाशनास्तत्र किराता द्वीपवासिनः।अन्तर्जलचरा घोरा नरव्याघ्रा इति शृताः।।4.40.28।।एतेषामाश्रयास्सर्वे विचेयाः कावनौकसः।गिरिभिर्ये च गम्यन्ते प्लवनेन प्लवेन च।।4.40.29।।

Transliteration

karṇaprāvaraṇāś caiva tathā cāpy oṣṭhakarṇakāḥ |

ghoralohamukhāś caiva javanāś caikapādakāḥ ||4.40.26||

Translation

There are also beings who cover their ears, and others whose ears reach the lips; some have dreadful iron-like faces, and others are swift-moving and one-footed.

Context

'There are people who have taken shelter in the deep pits in the midst of the sea, in deep valleys, mountains, cities and broad peaks of Mandara mountain and forests.All those regions should be thoroughly searched. There are innumerable inhabitants,such as strong cannibals, some who cover their ears, some who have ears extended up to the lips, some with dreadful metallic faces, some swiftmoving, onefooted indestructible beings. There are Kirata tribes of golden complexion and handsome looks whose tuft of hair is set to the sides so that it touches their ears. These Kiratas are Islanddwellers and they eat uncooked fish.They move in waters and are fierce, known as tigerlike men (Naravyagras because half of their body is human and other half is tiger in form). All the shelters of these forestdwellers should be searched well.Those who can be sent by crossing mountains, those who can leap (in air) and those who can swim through waters may be also dispatched.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Karṇaprāvaraṇa (ear-coverers)
• Oṣṭhakarṇaka
• Ghoralohamukha
• Javana
• Ekapādaka

FAQs

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

Dharma is steadiness of purpose: even encountering the strange or frightening should not derail a righteous search.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva warns of unusual peoples in distant regions, preparing the searchers for the unknown.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Composure and bravery—maintaining disciplined conduct while facing unfamiliar beings.