Shloka 4.50.4

ऋक्षबिलप्रवेशः — Entry into the Rikshabilam Cave

Devanagari script

स हि देशो दुरन्वेषो गुहागहनवान्महान्।तत्र वायुसुतस्सर्वं विचिनोति स्म पर्वतम्।।।।

Transliteration

tatra tatra ca vinyastān dīptān vaiśvānara-prabhān | dadṛśur vānarāḥ śubhrān jātarūpasya sañcayān ||

Translation

Here and there, the monkeys beheld heaps of pure gold set in place, blazing with a radiance like the fire of Vaiśvānara.

Context

The son of the Wind-god, Hanuman, searched all over the mountains and caves and woods difficult to access in that south-western region of the mountain.

Characters & Entities

• vānaras (search party)
• jātarūpa (gold)
• cave interior (implied)

FAQs

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

Dharma is tested by temptation: the presence of dazzling wealth contrasts with the party’s true duty—searching for Sītā—implying restraint and prioritizing righteous purpose over greed.

What is the narrative situation?

Inside the cave, the searchers encounter arranged heaps of gold shining brilliantly.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Self-control (saṃyama)—not letting wealth distract from the mission.