Shloka 5.1.2

समुद्रलङ्घनारम्भः — Commencement of the Ocean-Crossing

Devanagari script

दुष्करं निष्प्रतिद्वन्द्वं चिकीर्षन् कर्म वानरः।समुदग्रशिरोग्रीवो गवांपतिरिवाबभौ।।।।

Transliteration

duṣkaraṃ niṣpratidvandvaṃ cikīrṣan karma vānaraḥ | samudagraśirogrīvo gavāṃpatir ivābabhau ||

Translation

Intending to perform a deed formidable and beyond challenge, the monkey stood with head and neck held high, appearing like a lordly bull among cattle.

Context

Hanuman who raised his head and neck, intending to cross the formidable ocean which none else could accomplish, looked like a leading bull.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān

FAQs

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

Dharma is courageous undertaking for a just cause: the verse praises readiness to attempt what is difficult when it serves truth and righteousness (the search for Sītā).

What is the narrative situation?

At the outset of Sundarakāṇḍa, Hanumān readies himself to cross the ocean—a task presented as extraordinary and daunting.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Fearless determination (dhairya) and heroic effort (udyama) directed toward service.