Shloka 4.65.19

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

Devanagari script

अहमेतद्गमिष्यामि योजनानां शतं महत्।निवर्तने तु मे शक्तिस्स्यान्न वेति न निश्चितम्।।।।

Transliteration

aham etad gamiṣyāmi yojanānāṃ śataṃ mahat |

nivartane tu me śaktiḥ syān na veti na niścitam ||

Translation

I can go as far as a great hundred yojanas; but as for returning, it is not certain whether I will still have the strength—or not.

Context

'I can certainly go to a distance of a hundred yojanas. However, I cannot say whether I will have enough capacity to return?

Characters & Entities

• Angada

FAQs

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

Truthful self-assessment (satya) in service of duty: the speaker honestly states his ability to go, but also admits uncertainty about returning, preventing reckless decision-making that could harm the mission.

What is the narrative situation?

During the vānaras’ deliberation on who can cross the ocean toward Laṅkā, a leader declares his maximum range and openly doubts his capacity to return.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Satya (candor) coupled with responsibility—acknowledging limits for the sake of the collective objective.