Shloka 4.50.18

ऋक्षबिलप्रवेशः — Entry into the Rikshabilam Cave

Devanagari script

निशाम्य तस्मात् शिंहांश्च तांस्तांश्च मृगपक्ष्णिः।।।।प्रविष्टा हरिशार्दूला बिलं तिमिरसंवृतम्।

Transliteration

niśāmya tasmāt siṁhāṁś ca tāṁs tāṁś ca mṛgapakṣiṇaḥ | praviṣṭā hariśārdūlā bilaṁ timirasaṁvṛtam ||

Translation

Hearing there the cries of lions and of various beasts and birds, the tiger-like monkeys entered that cave, shrouded in darkness.

Context

The tigers among the monkeys entered the dark cave reverberating with the sounds of lions, beasts and birds.

Characters & Entities

• हरिशार्दूलाः
• बिलम्
• सिंहाः
• मृगाः
• पक्षिणः

FAQs

What dharmic quality is highlighted by the monkeys entering a dark cave despite ominous sounds?

It reflects steadfastness in duty (dharma): continuing the assigned search without being ruled by fear, even when the path is uncertain and threatening.

How does this verse connect to satya (truthfulness) in the Ramayana’s ethical frame?

Satya here is expressed as fidelity to a truthful commitment—acting in accordance with one’s pledged task and responsibility, rather than retreating due to anxiety or doubt.