Shloka 4.65.10

पञ्चषष्टितमः सर्गः — वानराणां प्लवन-पराक्रम-निरूपणम् (Assessment of the Vanaras’ Leaping Capacity; Jambavan Motivates Hanuman)

Devanagari script

तेषां कथयतां तत्र सर्वांस्ताननुमान्य च।ततो वृद्धतमस्तेषां जाम्बवान्प्रत्यभाषत।।।।

Transliteration

teṣāṃ kathayatāṃ tatra sarvāṃs tān anumānya ca |

tato vṛddhatamas teṣāṃ jāmbavān pratyabhāṣata ||

Translation

As they spoke there, Jāmbavān—the eldest among them—considered the strength of them all and then replied.

Context

When the monkeys were talking (of their individual capacity) in that manner about their speed, Jambavan the oldest of the monkeys inferred (their capacity) and said:

Characters & Entities

• Jāmbavān

FAQs

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

Dharma includes prudent evaluation: an elder assesses claims realistically so the mission proceeds on truth (satya) rather than mere boasting.

What is the narrative situation?

After various monkeys describe their leaping power, Jāmbavān prepares to give a measured response based on what he understands of their capacities.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Mature judgment: the elder does not react impulsively but weighs the situation before speaking.