Shloka 5.1.75

समुद्रलङ्घनारम्भः — Commencement of the Ocean-Crossing

Devanagari script

प्लवमानं समीक्ष्याथ भुजङ्गाः सागरालयाः।व्योम्नि तं कपिशार्दूलं सुपर्ण इति मेनिरे।।।।

Transliteration

plavamānaṃ samīkṣyātha bhujaṅgāḥ sāgarālayāḥ | vyomni taṃ kapiśārdūlaṃ suparṇa iti menire ||

Translation

Seeing that tiger among monkeys coursing through the sky, the serpents dwelling in the ocean mistook him for Suparṇa (Garuḍa).

Context

Seeing Hanuman, the tiger among vanaras, coursing through the sky the serpents in their sea-abode mistook him for Garuda.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Bhujaṅgas (serpents)
• Ocean (sāgara)
• Suparṇa (Garuḍa)

FAQs

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

Dharma appears as rightful might: when power is aligned with a just mission, it takes on the aura of divine protection, evoking Garuḍa, the enemy of serpents.

What is the narrative situation?

Serpents in the ocean see Hanumān flying overhead and, due to his grandeur, mistake him for Garuḍa.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Pratāpa (majestic prowess): his presence inspires awe and immediate identification with a legendary power.