Shloka 5.1.127
समुद्रलङ्घनारम्भः — Commencement of the Ocean-Crossing
अस्मिन्लवणतोये च प्रक्षिप्तः प्लवगोत्तम।गुप्तपक्षसमग्रश्च तव पित्राभिरक्षितः।।।।
asmin lavaṇatoye ca prakṣiptaḥ plavagottama |
gupta-pakṣa-samagraś ca tava pitrābhirakṣitaḥ ||
O best of the leapers, when I was hurled into these salt waters, your father protected me—keeping my wings intact and my body preserved.
"O distinguished vanara! your father, the Wind-god threw me down into this salt-water sea. Thus my wings were protected.
Dharma is expressed as guardianship and preservation: protection is not only rescue from danger but also ensuring wholeness (integrity) so that one may continue one’s rightful existence and duties.
Maināka explains that he was cast into the sea, yet Vāyu safeguarded him, preventing the loss of his wings and ensuring his survival.
Vāyu’s benevolent protection and the honoring of relationships through compassionate action.