Shloka 5.1.77

समुद्रलङ्घनारम्भः — Commencement of the Ocean-Crossing

Devanagari script

श्वेताभ्रघनराजीव वायुपुत्रानुगामिनी।तस्य सा शुशुभे छाया वितता लवणाम्भसि।।।।

Transliteration

śvetābhraghanarājīva vāyuputrānugāminī | tasya sā śuśubhe chāyā vitatā lavaṇāmbhasi ||

Translation

Spread across the salt sea and following the Wind-god’s son, his shadow shone—like a dense bank of clouds against the bright white sky.

Context

The broad shadow of the son of the Wind-god in the sea following him shone like a dark row of clouds sailing in the pristine sky.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Vāyu (Wind-god)
• Salt sea (lavaṇāmbhas)

FAQs

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

Dharma is loyal service (bhakti as sevā): the verse stresses Hanumān’s identity as Vāyu’s son moving in alignment with his ordained strength for Rāma’s work.

What is the narrative situation?

The poet continues the flight-description, focusing on the shadow trailing over the sea like a cloud formation.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Anugamana (steadfast following): unwavering pursuit of the mission, symbolized by the shadow that never leaves him.