Shloka 5.1.148

समुद्रलङ्घनारम्भः — Commencement of the Ocean-Crossing

Devanagari script

बलमिच्छामहे ज्ञातुं भूयश्चास्य पराक्रमम्।त्वां विजेष्यत्युपायेन विषादं वा गमिष्यति।।।।

Transliteration

balam icchāmahe jñātuṁ bhūyaś cāsya parākramam | tvāṁ vijeṣyaty upāyena viṣādaṁ vā gamiṣyati ||

Translation

We wish to know his strength and once more to test his valor—whether by skill he will overcome you, or whether he will sink into despondency.

Context

"We want to assess his strength, valour and intelligence once again. We wish to know whether he will win or give way to despondency".

Characters & Entities

• Hanuman
• Surasā
• Gods (Devas)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes resilience: righteousness is measured not only by power but by the refusal to surrender to despair.

What is the narrative situation?

The gods explain the purpose of Surasā’s obstruction: to assess Hanuman’s strength, valor, and strategic intelligence.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Hanuman’s upāya (skillful means) and emotional steadiness under pressure.