Shloka 4.50.3

ऋक्षबिलप्रवेशः — Entry into the Rikshabilam Cave

Devanagari script

आसेदुस्तस्य शैलस्य कोटिं दक्ष्णिपश्चिमाम्।तेषां तत्रैव वसतां स कालो व्यत्यवर्तत।।।।

Transliteration

āsedus tasya śailasya koṭiṁ dakṣiṇapaścimām |

teṣāṁ tatraiva vasatāṁ sa kālo vyatyavartata॥4.50.3॥

Translation

They reached the south-western extremity of that mountain; and while they remained there, the allotted time slipped away.

Context

They reached the end of the south-west side of the mountain(Vindhya). While theywere still there, the time stipulated for them (to find Sita) had slipped.

Characters & Entities

• Vanaras
• Mountain (śaila; identified in the provided translation as Vindhya)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes fidelity to one’s charge and time-bound responsibility; letting the allotted time pass signals a lapse that must be corrected through renewed effort and honesty.

What is the narrative situation?

During the search mission, the vanaras reach a mountain’s south-west edge and, due to circumstances and delay, the stipulated time for their task expires.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Accountability: recognizing that time is part of duty, and that delay can become an ethical failure when others depend on timely action.