Shloka 5.1.114

समुद्रलङ्घनारम्भः — Commencement of the Ocean-Crossing

Devanagari script

कृते च प्रतिकर्तव्यमेष धर्मः सनातनः।सोऽयं त्वत्प्रतिकारार्थी त्वत्तः सम्मानमर्हति।।5.1.114।।

Transliteration

kṛte ca pratikartavyam eṣa dharmaḥ sanātanaḥ | so ’yaṁ tvat-pratikārārthī tvattaḥ sammānam arhati ||

Translation

“When a kindness has been done, it should be repaid—this is the eternal dharma. Thus he, seeking to return your favor, deserves honor from you.”

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Sāgara (ocean deity) (implied by context)

FAQs

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

Pratikāra (reciprocation) rooted in satya and gratitude: acknowledging and repaying help is presented as timeless moral law.

What is the narrative situation?

Maināka justifies the ocean’s gesture: it is proper to accept honor offered as repayment for past benefit.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Kṛtajñatā and dhārmika conduct: the insistence that moral debts should be recognized and answered.