Shloka 4.46.13

पृथिवीमण्डलपरिज्ञानम् — Sugriva on Surveying the Earth’s Regions

Devanagari script

आदर्शतलसङ्काशा ततो वै पृथिवी मया।अलातचक्रप्रतिमा दृष्टा गोष्पदवत्तदा।।4.46.13।।

Transliteration

ādarśatalasaṅkāśā tato vai pṛthivī mayā |

alātacakrapratimā dṛṣṭā goṣpadavat tadā || 4.46.13 ||

Translation

Then the earth appeared to me like the surface of a mirror—like a whirling firebrand—and at that time it seemed as small as a cow’s hoofprint.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Rāma
• Earth (Pṛthivī)
• Alātacakra (whirling firebrand image)
• Goṣpada (cow’s hoofprint image)

FAQs

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

A dharmic insight of perspective: personal turmoil can make the vast world seem small and unstable—reminding one to seek steadiness in truth and right conduct rather than being swept by fear.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva describes the dizzying speed and disorientation of his flight from Vālī, using vivid similes for how the world appeared.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Reflective honesty—Sugrīva communicates his lived experience without exaggeration, aiding truthful understanding.