Shloka 4.40.36

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

Devanagari script

तत्रासुरा महाकायाश्छायां गृह्णन्ति नित्यशः।ब्रह्मणा समनुज्ञाता दीर्घकालं बुभुक्षिताः।।4.40.36।।

Transliteration

tatrāsurā mahākāyāś chāyāṃ gṛhṇanti nityaśaḥ | brahmaṇā samanujñātā dīrghakālaṃ bubhukṣitāḥ || 4.40.36 ||

Translation

There, huge-bodied Asuras continually seize the shadows (of passers-by); long famished, they have been granted permission by Brahmā.

Context

'Demons of huge bodies catch the shadows of passers-by in that place as they have been hungry for long and have the permission of Brahma to do so.

Characters & Entities

• Asura
• Brahmā
• Shadows (chāyā)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes prudent vigilance: a righteous mission does not ignore danger; it recognizes threats and proceeds wisely without abandoning the truth-bound objective.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva warns the searchers of supernatural hazards in the oceanic/island regions.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Practical wisdom—courage guided by caution.