Shloka 5.1.19

समुद्रलङ्घनारम्भः — Commencement of the Ocean-Crossing

Devanagari script

शिरोभिः पृथुभिः सर्पा व्यक्तस्वस्तिकलक्षणैः।वमन्तः पावकं घोरं ददंशुर्दशनैः शिलाः।।।।

Transliteration

śirobhiḥ pṛthubhiḥ sarpā vyaktasvastikalakṣaṇaiḥ |

vamantaḥ pāvakaṃ ghoraṃ dadaṃśur daśanaiḥ śilāḥ ||

Translation

Snakes with broad, upraised hoods—marked clearly with swastika-like signs—spewed dreadful fire and, with their fangs, bit into the rocks.

Context

The snakes spread out their broad hoods manifesting swastika marks on them and bit the rocks with their fangs pouring out terrible fire.

Characters & Entities

• snakes (sarpāḥ)
• swastika marks (svastika-lakṣaṇa)
• rocks (śilāḥ)
• fire (pāvaka)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is steadfastness in a righteous mission despite fearsome portents—danger exists, but duty is not abandoned.

What is the narrative situation?

During Hanumān’s journey toward Laṅkā, the poem depicts ominous, hazardous phenomena in nature—part of the perilous seascape.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Courage and resolve (dhṛti): the ability to proceed through threatening signs without losing commitment to the task.