Shloka 4.48.9
विन्ध्यगुहाविचयः — Searching the Vindhya Caves and the Cursed Forest (Southern Search)
न सन्ति महिषा यत्र न मृगा न च हस्तिनः।।।।शार्दूलाः पक्षिणो वापि ये चान्ये वनगोचराः।
na santi mahiṣā yatra na mṛgā na ca hastinaḥ |
śārdūlāḥ pakṣiṇo vāpi ye cānye vanagocarāḥ ||
In that place there were no buffaloes, no deer, no elephants—no tigers, no birds, and none of the other creatures that roam the forest.
There were no buffaloes, no deer, no elephants, tigers or even birds and other wild animals.
Dharma is unwavering commitment: even when signs of life and support vanish, one does not abandon a righteous responsibility.
The Vānaras observe that the terrain is so lifeless that even animals and birds are absent.
Steadfastness—continuing the quest despite discouraging surroundings.