Shloka 4.58.13

सम्पातिवाक्यम् (Sampāti’s Counsel and the Revelation of Laṅkā)

Devanagari script

जानामि वारुणान्लोकान्विष्णोस्त्रै विक्रमानपि।महासुरविमर्दन्वा श्च ह्यमृतस्य च मन्थनम्।।4.58.13।।

Transliteration

nirdagdhapakṣo gṛdhro ’haṃ hīnavīryaḥ plavaṅgamāḥ |

vāṅmātreṇa tu rāmasya kariṣye sāhyam uttamam || 4.58.12 ||

Translation

O monkeys, I am a vulture with wings scorched and strength diminished; yet for Rāma I will render the best help I can—through words alone.

Context

'I know Varuna's worlds(seas and oceans) and all the three worlds measured by three strides by Vamana. Indeed I also know about the friction between the great gods and demons and the churning of the ocean for nectar.

Characters & Entities

• Sampāti
• Rāma

FAQs

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

Dharma as service according to capacity: even when physically impaired, one should contribute truthfully and usefully (here, guidance through speech).

What is the narrative situation?

Sampāti, unable to fly, offers the monkeys strategic help by sharing what he knows verbally.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Selfless assistance (seva) joined with realism: he does not exaggerate ability, but still commits to meaningful help.