Shloka 4.58.14

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

Devanagari script

रामस्य यदिदं कार्यं कर्तव्यं प्रथमं मया।जरया च हृतं तेजः प्राणाश्च शिथिला मम।।4.58.14।।

Transliteration

jānāmi vāruṇān lokān viṣṇos trai-vikramān api |

mahāsuravimardān vāś ca hy amṛtasya ca manthanam || 4.58.13 ||

Translation

I know the realms of Varuṇa, and also Viṣṇu’s three strides; and I know as well the great tumult between devas and asuras, and the churning that brought forth amṛta, the nectar of immortality.

Context

'Rama's work is my primary duty. (But) my strength is drained by age and I have lost my vitality.

Characters & Entities

• Varuṇa
• Viṣṇu
• Vāmana (implied by trai-vikrama)
• Amṛta
• Devas (implied)
• Asuras (implied)

FAQs

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

Responsible speech grounded in knowledge: Sampāti establishes credibility so that guidance given later is received as truthful and dharmic counsel.

What is the narrative situation?

Sampāti introduces his wide-ranging knowledge of cosmic geography and ancient events to validate his capacity to guide the search.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Pramāṇa (reliable authority): the virtue of being a trustworthy source rather than speaking from speculation.