Shloka 4.50.22

ऋक्षबिलप्रवेशः — Entry into the Rikshabilam Cave

Devanagari script

ते नष्टसंज्ञास्तृषितास्सम्भ्रान्तास्सलिलार्थिनः।।।।परिपेतुर्बिले तस्मिन्कञ्चित्कालमतन्द्रिताः।

Transliteration

te naṣṭasaṁjñās tṛṣitāḥ sambhrāntāḥ salilārthinaḥ |

paripetur bile tasmin kañcit kālam atandritāḥ ||

Translation

Thirsty, bewildered, and nearly fainting, desperate for water, they wandered about in that cave for some time without slackening.

Context

Having nearly lost their senses (without water to drink), the thirsty and bewildered monkeys were desperate for water.They wandered in the cave without feeling lazy for some time.

Characters & Entities

• bila (cave)
• salila (water)

FAQs

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

Dharma is non-abandonment of duty under hardship: even physical extremity (thirst, confusion) does not justify negligence in a righteous task.

What is the narrative situation?

The vānaras, suffering from thirst and disorientation, continue searching within the cave, hoping to find water or a way forward.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Atandratā (untiring vigilance)—the refusal to become lax even when exhausted.