Shloka 4.51.5

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

Devanagari script

कस्यैते काञ्चना वृक्षास्तरुणादित्यसन्निभाः।।4.51.4।।शुचीन्यभ्यवहार्याणि मूलानि च फलानि च।काञ्चनानि विमानानि राजतानि गृहाणि च।।4.51.5।।तपनीयगवाक्षाणि मणिजालावृतानि च।

Transliteration

kāñcanāni ca padmāni jātāni vimale jale || 4.51.7 ||

Translation

And how have golden lotuses come to be born in this pure water?

Context

'To whom do these golden trees resembling the rising Sun belong? For whom are these tasty roots and fruits? Whose are these manystoreyed golden houses with glittering windows adorned with silver lattices encrusted with gems?

Characters & Entities

• padma (lotus)
• vimala-jala (pure water)

FAQs

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

Seeking truth through proper questioning: dharma values inquiry directed to a worthy guide rather than speculation or exploitation.

What is the narrative situation?

The vanaras notice golden lotuses in clear water and ask the ascetic for an explanation.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Intellectual honesty—admitting not knowing and asking directly.