Shloka 5.1.16

समुद्रलङ्घनारम्भः — Commencement of the Ocean-Crossing

Devanagari script

मुमोच च शिलाः शैलो विशालाः समनःशिलाः।मध्यमेनार्चिषा जुष्टा धूमराजीरिवानलः।।।।

Transliteration

mumo ca ca śilāḥ śailo viśālāḥ samanaḥśilāḥ | madhyamenārciṣā juṣṭā dhūmarājīr ivānalaḥ ||

Translation

And the mountain hurled forth massive rocks, streaked with mineral pigments; in its midst it blazed with flame, like fire sending up lines of smoke.

Context

The mountain threw down big boulders along with sulphur just like fire emits columns of smoke, surrounded by flames.

Characters & Entities

• Mountain (śaila)

FAQs

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

Indirectly, it underscores perseverance: even when nature appears violent or obstructive, the righteous journey continues with steadiness.

What is the narrative situation?

A descriptive passage portraying a mountain’s fierce activity—rocks and flame—serving as heightened scene-setting amid peril.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Endurance (implied for the traveler/hero): confronting daunting forces without abandoning purpose.