Shloka 4.41.9

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

Devanagari script

सहस्रशिरसं विन्ध्यं नानाद्रुमलतायुतम्।नर्मदां च नदीं रम्यां महोरगनिषेविताम्।।4.41.8।।ततो गोदावरीं रम्यां कृष्णवेणीं महानदीम्।वरदां च महाभागां महोरगनिषेविताम्।।4.41.9।।मेखलामुत्कलां चैव दशार्णनगराण्यपि।आश्ववन्तीमवन्तीं च सर्वामेवानुपश्यत।।4.41.10।।

Transliteration

tato godāvarīṃ ramyāṃ kṛṣṇa-veṇīṃ mahā-nadīm | varadāṃ ca mahā-bhāgāṃ mahā-uraga-niṣevitām ||

Translation

Then search the lovely Godāvarī, the Kṛṣṇaveṇī, and the great river Mahānadī; also the auspicious Varadā, frequented by mighty serpents.

Context

'Search for Sita all over Vindhya of a thousand peaks filled with several trees and creepers, and along the river Narmada. Then proceed to Godavari, lovely Krishnaveni, Mahanadi, Varada and Mahabhaga inhabited by terrific serpents.You may search Mekhala, Utkala and Dasarna cities, Asvavanti and Avanti countries also.

Characters & Entities

• Godāvarī
• Kṛṣṇaveṇī
• Mahānadī
• Varadā

FAQs

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

Dharma is disciplined effort: the search is not random but systematic—covering specified regions with diligence and attention.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva continues enumerating rivers and zones to be thoroughly examined during the southern search.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Methodical diligence—carefully covering assigned areas to fulfill the mission.