Shloka 4.61.12

सूर्यानुगमनवृत्तान्तः — The Account of Following the Sun

Devanagari script

मनश्च मे हतं भूयस्सन्निवर्त्यतु संश्रयम्।यत्नेन महता ह्यस्मिन्पुनस्सन्धाय चक्षुषी।।।।यत्नेन महता भूयो भास्करः प्रतिलोकितः।तुल्यः पृथ्वीप्रमाणेन भास्करः प्रतिभाति नौ।।।।

Transliteration

tīvrassvedaś ca khedaś ca bhayaṃ cāsīt tadā ’vayoḥ | samāviśati mohaś ca tamo mūrchā ca dāruṇā ||

Translation

Then both of us were seized by intense sweating, distress, and fear; and there came upon us confusion, darkness of perception, and a dreadful stupor.

Context

'My mind was disturbed and I turned my attention from the object. Once again Ifocused my attention (on the Sun) and could see the Sun-god with great effort. The Sun appeared to us equal in size to earth.

Characters & Entities

• Sampāti
• Jatāyu

FAQs

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

Dharma includes recognizing human (and creaturely) limits: ignoring limits invites panic and loss of discernment (viveka).

What is the narrative situation?

During the extreme aerial contest near the Sun’s region, both birds experience physical strain and mental disorientation.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Implied virtue is prudence (viveka): the verse shows what happens when prudence is eclipsed by pride and overexertion.