Shloka 4.51.2

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

Devanagari script

इदं प्रविष्टास्सहसा बिलं तिमिरसंवृतम्।क्षुत्पिपासापरिश्रान्ताः परिखिन्नाश्च सर्वशः।।4.51.2।।

Transliteration

kasyaitē kāñcanā vṛkṣās taruṇādityasannibhāḥ || 4.51.4 || śucīny abhyavahāryāṇi mūlāni ca phalāni ca |

Translation

Whose are these golden trees, radiant like the rising sun? And for whom are these pure, delectable roots and fruits?

Context

'We are exhausted with thirst and hunger. We are fatigued. (Hence) we entered this dark cave all at once(without waiting for permission).

Characters & Entities

• kāñcana-vṛkṣa (golden trees)
• mūla (roots)
• phala (fruits)

FAQs

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

Respect for rightful possession: before consuming or taking, one asks “whose is this?”—a dharmic instinct against appropriation.

What is the narrative situation?

Inside the cave, the vanaras see miraculous golden trees and abundant edible roots and fruits and ask the ascetic about their owner and purpose.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Self-restraint—curiosity is paired with the ethical question of ownership and permission.