Shloka 4.50.23

ऋक्षबिलप्रवेशः — Entry into the Rikshabilam Cave

Devanagari script

ते कृशा दीनवदनाः परिश्रान्ताः प्लवङ्गमाः।।।।आलोकं ददृशुर्वीरा निराशा जीविते यदा।

Transliteration

te kṛśā dīnavadanāḥ pariśrāntāḥ plavaṅgamāḥ |

ālokaṁ dadṛśur vīrā nirāśā jīvite yadā ||

Translation

Wasted, weary, and with downcast faces, those heroic monkeys—when they had nearly despaired of life—caught sight of a glimmer of light.

Context

Exhausted and enfeebled, they saw with dejected faces a gleam of light at a time when they were desparate.

Characters & Entities

• plavaṅgama (monkeys)
• āloka (light)

FAQs

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

Dharma teaches hope and steadiness: even at the edge of despair, one should not abandon righteous effort—light can appear at the last moment.

What is the narrative situation?

After prolonged suffering inside the cave, the vānaras finally see a faint light, signaling possible escape or relief.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Resilience—the capacity to continue until a path opens, despite near-hopelessness.