HomeRamayanaSundara KandaSarga 1Shloka 5.1.23
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Shloka 5.1.23

समुद्रलङ्घनारम्भः — Commencement of the Ocean-Crossing

भिद्यतेऽयं गिरिर्भूतैरिति मत्त्वा तपस्विनः।त्रस्ता विद्याधरास्तस्मादुत्पेतुः स्त्री गणैः सह।।5.1.22।।पानभूमिगतं हित्वा हैममासवभाजनम्।पात्राणि च महार्हाणि करकांश्च हिरण्मयान्।।5.1.23।लेह्यानुच्चावचान् भक्ष्यान् मांसानि विविधानि च।आर्षभाणि च चर्माणि खडगांश्च कनकत्सरून्।।5.1.24।।

bhidyate 'yaṃ girir bhūtair iti matvā tapasvinaḥ | trastā vidyādharās tasmād utpetuḥ strī-gaṇaiḥ saha || (5.1.22)

pāna-bhūmi-gataṃ hitvā haimam āsava-bhājanam | pātrāṇi ca mahārhāṇi karakāṃś ca hiraṇmayān || (5.1.23)

lehyān uccāvacān bhakṣyān māṃsāni vividhāni ca | ārṣabhāṇi ca carmāṇi khaḍgāṃś ca kanaka-tsarūn || (5.1.24)

As the mountain seemed to be splitting, the Vidyādharas—frightened—rose into the sky with their womenfolk, leaving behind at the drinking grounds golden liquor-vessels, costly plates and golden goblets, and many kinds of foods, meats, hides, and gold-sheathed swords.

Even the ascetics left the place approaching that the mountain would be broken into pieces by creatures. The alarmed vidyadharas leaped into the sky along with groups of their women, leaving behind golden jugs of wine as well as precious utensils, big and small sizes, and golden goblets, cups in the drinking place, as well as many tasty eatables like licking food, chewing food and many types of meat. They also left bullhides and swords with golden sheaths.

V
Vidyādhara
T
Tapasvin (ascetics)
M
Mountain (giri)
D
Drinking ground (pāna-bhūmi)

Attachment falls away in crisis: the verse contrasts luxury with impermanence, reminding that dharma requires prioritizing life, duty, and clarity over indulgence.

A descriptive continuation: frightened Vidyādharas flee, abandoning their feasting and possessions.

Detachment under necessity (even if fear-driven): they leave valuables instantly when danger is perceived.