Shloka 5.1.50

समुद्रलङ्घनारम्भः — Commencement of the Ocean-Crossing

Devanagari script

सारवन्तोऽथ ये वृक्षा न्यमज्जन् लवणाम्भसि।भयादिव महेन्द्रस्य पर्वता वरुणालये।।।।

Transliteration

sāravanto 'tha ye vṛkṣā nyamajjan lavaṇāmbhasi |

bhayād iva mahendrasya parvatā varuṇālaye ||

Translation

Then the massive trees sank into the salt sea—like mountains sinking into Varuṇa’s abode, as though in fear of Indra’s might.

Context

Then the huge trees sank into the ocean of salt water even as mountains did, afraid of Indra's (thunderbolt).

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān (implied causal force)
• ocean (Varuṇa’s abode)
• Varuṇa
• Indra (Mahendra)
• trees
• mountains

FAQs

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

Dharma implies recognition of rightful power: the verse uses divine comparisons (Indra, Varuṇa) to frame force as meaningful when aligned with cosmic order, not mere violence.

What is the narrative situation?

In the turbulence caused by Hanumān’s launch and passage, heavy trees are cast down and sink into the sea.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Measured might—Hanumān’s strength is immense, yet it is in the service of truth and duty.