Shloka 4.50.16

ऋक्षबिलप्रवेशः — Entry into the Rikshabilam Cave

Devanagari script

अस्माच्चापि बिलाद्धंसाः क्रौञ्चाश्च सह सारसैः।।4.50.15।।जलार्द्राश्चक्रवाकाश्च निष्पतन्ति स्म सर्वशः।नूनं सलिलवानत्र कूपो वा यदि वा ह्रदः।।4.50.16।।तथा चेमे बिलद्वारि स्निग्धास्तिष्ठन्ति पादपाः।

Transliteration

ity uktvā tad bilaṃ sarve viviśus timirāvṛtam |

acandrasūryaṃ harayo dadṛśū romaharṣaṇam ||

Translation

Having spoken thus, they all entered that cave shrouded in darkness; the monkeys beheld a sunless, moonless gloom—an experience that raised their hair in dread.

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 subsoil water).'

Characters & Entities

• Cave (bila)
• Monkeys (harayaḥ)

FAQs

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

Dharma as steadfastness: once a righteous course is chosen, they proceed together, accepting hardship without abandoning collective responsibility.

What is the narrative situation?

The troop enters the cave and encounters complete darkness, heightening tension and danger.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Solidarity and endurance—moving forward as a group despite fear.