Shloka 4.41.37

दक्षिणदिशि सीतान्वेषण-आदेशः (Commissioning the Southern Search for Sītā)

Devanagari script

तत्र भोगवती नाम सर्पाणामालयः पुरी।।।।विशालकक्ष्या दुर्धर्षा सर्वतः परिरक्षिता।रक्षिता पन्नगैर्घोरैस्तीक्ष्णदष्ट्रैरैर्महाविषैः।।।।सर्पराजो महाप्राज्ञो यस्यां वसति वासुकिः।

Transliteration

tatra bhogavatī nāma sarpāṇām ālayaḥ purī || 4.41.37 ||

Translation

There is a city named Bhogavatī—an abode of serpents.

Context

'There on that mountain (Kunjara) stands a city called Bhogavati, which is the abode of serpents. It has wide corridors. Guarded on all sides, it is unassailable since it is protected by venomous serpents with sharp fangs. The wise serpent king Vasuki resides there. (Bhogavati is the replica of the city of the same name in Patala, the sixth subterranean region)

Characters & Entities

• Bhogavatī
• serpents (sarpāḥ/nāgāḥ)

FAQs

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

Dharma in travel includes discernment and caution: knowing the nature of a place (here, a serpent-city) helps one avoid reckless harm while pursuing a righteous goal.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva alerts the searchers to a notable and potentially dangerous city on the route.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Alertness (apramāda): the mission requires vigilance in unfamiliar, perilous regions.