Shloka 4.51.15

स्वयंप्रभा-प्रश्नोत्तरम् / Svayamprabha Explains the Golden Forest and Questions the Vanaras

Devanagari script

इदं च ब्रह्मणा दत्तं हेमायै वनमुत्तमम्।।4.51.15।।शाश्वता: कामभोगश्च गृहं चेदं हिरण्मयम्।

Transliteration

idaṃ ca brahmaṇā dattaṃ hemāyai vanam uttamam | śāśvatāḥ kāmabhogaś ca gṛhaṃ cedaṃ hiraṇmayam ||

Translation

And this excellent forest was granted by Brahmā to Hēmā—together with enduring enjoyments and this golden dwelling.

Context

'Thus this wonderful forest and the golden house with all luxury were given away permanently to Hema by the creator Brahma.

Characters & Entities

• Svayaṃprabhā
• Brahmā
• Hēmā
• hiraṇmaya-gṛha (golden house)
• vana (forest)

FAQs

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

Gifts and privileges are framed as divinely sanctioned trusts; dharma lies in rightful stewardship rather than indulgence alone.

What is the narrative situation?

Svayaṃprabhā explains the transfer of ownership: Brahmā grants the forest and golden house to Hēmā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Legitimacy and order—authority and possession are linked to proper grant, not seizure.