Shloka 4.40.61

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

Devanagari script

शैलस्य तस्य शृङ्गेषु कन्दरेषु वनेषु च।।4.40.61।।रावणस्सह वैदेह्या मार्गितव्यस्ततस्ततः।

Transliteration

śailasya tasya śṛṅgeṣu kandareṣu vaneṣu ca | rāvaṇaḥ saha vaidehyā mārgitavyas tatas tataḥ ||

Translation

Upon that mountain’s peaks, in its caves, and in its forests—here and there—Rāvaṇa together with Vaidehī must be searched for.

Context

You should search for Ravana and Vaidehi on the peak of that mountain, in the caves, in the forests here and there.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Vaidehī (Sītā)
• Mountain (unnamed here; referenced as 'that mountain')

FAQs

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

Dharma as duty (kartavya): the search must be thorough and impartial—covering peaks, caves, and forests—so that truth is found through diligent effort, not assumption.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugriva instructs the vānaras on where specifically to look for Rāvaṇa and Sītā in the eastern mountainous region.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Dhairya and utsāha (steadfastness and energetic perseverance) in carrying out a righteous mission.