Shloka 4.51.16

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

Devanagari script

दुहिता मेरुसावर्णेरहं तस्यास्स्वयंप्रभा।।4.51.16।।इदं रक्षामि भवनं हेमाया वानरोत्तम।

Transliteration

duhitā merusāvarṇer ahaṃ tasyāḥ svayaṃprabhā | idaṃ rakṣāmi bhavanaṃ hemāyā vānarottama ||

Translation

O best of monkeys, I am Svayaṃprabhā, daughter of Merusāvarṇi. I guard this mansion that belongs to Hēmā.

Context

'O best of monkeys! daughter of Meru Sauvarni, I am Svayamprabha (self-illuminator), caretaker of this house of Hema. (Meru Sauvarni is the eleventh Manu).

Characters & Entities

• Svayaṃprabhā
• Merusāvarṇi
• Hēmā
• Hanumān
• bhavana (mansion)

FAQs

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

Dharma as duty (rakṣaṇa): Svayaṃprabhā identifies herself and her rightful responsibility as guardian—truthful identity and faithful protection of a trust.

What is the narrative situation?

Svayaṃprabhā formally introduces her lineage and role to the vānaras.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Accountability—she clearly states who she is and what duty she upholds.