Shloka 4.41.38

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

Devanagari script

तत्र भोगवती नाम सर्पाणामालयः पुरी।।4.41.37।।विशालकक्ष्या दुर्धर्षा सर्वतः परिरक्षिता।रक्षिता पन्नगैर्घोरैस्तीक्ष्णदष्ट्रैरैर्महाविषैः।।4.41.38।।सर्पराजो महाप्राज्ञो यस्यां वसति वासुकिः।

Transliteration

viśāla-kakṣyā durdharṣā sarvataḥ parirakṣitā |

rakṣitā pannagair ghorais tīkṣṇa-daṣṭrair mahā-viṣaiḥ || 4.41.38 ||

sarpa-rājo mahā-prājño yasyāṃ vasati vāsukiḥ |

Translation

It has broad corridors and is unassailable, guarded on every side—protected by dreadful serpents with sharp fangs and potent venom. There dwells the wise serpent-king Vāsuki.

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
• Vāsuki
• serpents (pannaga)
• sharp fangs
• venom

FAQs

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

Dharma requires non-recklessness: recognizing protected domains and powerful guardians teaches restraint, respect for boundaries, and avoidance of needless conflict while pursuing a righteous end.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva describes Bhogavatī’s formidable defenses and identifies Vāsuki as its resident ruler, warning the party about the city’s guarded nature.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence and disciplined courage: bravery is not rash intrusion, but careful progress aligned with the mission’s purpose.