Shloka 5.1.57

समुद्रलङ्घनारम्भः — Commencement of the Ocean-Crossing

Devanagari script

पिबन्निव बभौ चापि सोर्मिमालं महार्णवम्।।।।पिपासुरिव चाकाशं ददृशे स महाकपिः।

Transliteration

pibann iva babhau cāpi sormimālaṃ mahārṇavam |

pipāsur iva cākāśaṃ dadṛśe sa mahākapiḥ ||

Translation

He appeared as though drinking the great ocean, garlanded with waves; and that mighty Vānara gazed toward the sky as if thirsting for it.

Context

While he was looking upward, that great vanara appeared as if, parched with thirst, he was gulping the entire ocean with its rising waves.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• mahārṇava (ocean)
• ūrmi (waves)
• ākāśa (sky)

FAQs

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

Dharma can demand the ‘impossible’: the verse poetically frames Hanumān’s extraordinary capacity as arising from righteous intent and unwavering loyalty to truth.

What is the narrative situation?

While crossing the ocean, Hanumān’s immense form and upward gaze are described through grand similes.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Utsāha (indomitable zeal)—a tireless drive to complete the mission for Sītā and Rāma.