Shloka 4.50.15

ऋक्षबिलप्रवेशः — Entry into the Rikshabilam Cave

Devanagari script

अस्माच्चापि बिलाद्धंसाः क्रौञ्चाश्च सह सारसैः।।।।जलार्द्राश्चक्रवाकाश्च निष्पतन्ति स्म सर्वशः।नूनं सलिलवानत्र कूपो वा यदि वा ह्रदः।।।।तथा चेमे बिलद्वारि स्निग्धास्तिष्ठन्ति पादपाः।

Transliteration

asmāc cāpi bilād dhaṃsāḥ krauñcāś ca saha sārasaiḥ |

jalārdrāś cakravākāś ca niṣpatanti sma sarvaśaḥ ||

nūnaṃ salilavān atra kūpo vā yadi vā hradaḥ |

tathā ceme biladvāri snigdhās tiṣṭhanti pādapāḥ ||

Translation

From this cave, swans, krauñcas, sārasas, and cakravākas—wet with water—keep flying out in every direction. Surely there is abundant water within, whether a well or a pond; and at the cave’s mouth these trees stand glossy and fresh.

Context

'From this cave have emerged several birds like sarasas, swans, kraunchas and chakravakas drenched in water. Surely there must be a source of plenty of water or well or a pond. Moreover there are shining( green) trees at the entrance of the cave (suggesting sub-soil water).'

Characters & Entities

• Cave (bila)
• Haṃsa (swans)
• Krauñca (birds)
• Sārasa (cranes)
• Cakravāka (ruddy goose)
• Water source (kūpa/hrada)
• Trees (pādapāḥ)

FAQs

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

Dharma expressed as reasoned inquiry: Hanumān bases decisions on observable signs (wet birds, verdant trees), aligning action with truth (satya) rather than impulse.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān interprets natural indicators around the cave, inferring an internal water source and motivating the group to investigate further.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Practical wisdom—using evidence and inference to guide a mission under uncertainty.