Shloka 4.48.17

विन्ध्यगुहाविचयः — Searching the Vindhya Caves and the Cursed Forest (Southern Search)

Devanagari script

ते प्रविश्याऽशु तं भीमं लतागुल्मसमावृतम्।दद्दृशुः क्रूरकर्माणमसुरं सुरनिर्भयम्।।।।

Transliteration

sa tu dūram upāgamya sarvais taiḥ kapisattamaiḥ |

vicinoti sma vindhyasya guhāś ca gahanāni ca ||

parvatāgrān nadīdurgān sarāṃsi vipulān drumān |

vṛkṣaṣaṇḍāṃś ca vividhān parvatān ghanapādapān ||

Translation

Going far ahead with all those foremost monkeys, he searched the Vindhya region—its caves and its impenetrable tracts. They combed mountain peaks, river-guarded strongholds, lakes, great trees, varied clusters of trees, and mountains thick with vegetation.

Context

(Then) they noticed a place covered with creepers and bushes. As soon as they entered the dreadful forest, they saw a demon of wicked deeds, unafraid even of gods.

Characters & Entities

• Vindhya
• vānarāḥ (monkeys)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is steadfast duty: the searchers persist methodically through difficult terrain, modeling disciplined effort in service of a righteous mission.

What is the narrative situation?

A band of Vānara searchers ranges far into the Vindhya area, systematically examining caves, peaks, lakes, and forests as part of the broader quest connected to Sītā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Perseverance and thoroughness—careful, exhaustive searching rather than haste or despair.