Shloka 4.40.51

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

Devanagari script

तत्र चन्द्रप्रतीकाशं पन्नगं धरणीधरम्।।4.40.50।।पद्मपत्रविशालाक्षं ततो द्रक्ष्यथ वानराः।आसीनं पर्वतस्याग्रे सर्वभूतनमस्कृतम्।।4.40.51।।सहस्रशिरसं देवमनन्तं नीलवाससम्।

Transliteration

triśirāḥ kāñcanaḥ ketus tālas tasya mahātmanaḥ | sthāpitaḥ parvatasyāgre virājati savedikaḥ ||

Translation

Upon that mountain’s summit shines, set upon an altar, the great-souled one’s banner: a golden palm-tree standard with three crests.

Context

'O monkeys on top of the mountain you will see Ananta, a thousandhooded serpent seated, as bright as the Moon, robed in blue, with large eyes like lotus petals bearing the load of the earth, and revered by all beings.

Characters & Entities

• Ananta (implied by tasya)
• Ketu (banner/standard)
• Tāla (palm-tree emblem)
• Vedikā (altar/platform)
• Parvata (mountain)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes honoring sacred signs and institutions: the altar and banner signify ordered reverence rather than chaos in encountering power.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugriva continues describing what the vanaras will observe in the region—Ananta’s emblematic standard on the mountain.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Respect for sacred markers—recognizing symbols that represent guardianship and stability.