Shloka 5.38.42

अभिज्ञानप्रदानम् — The Token of Recognition (Chūḍāmaṇi) and the Crow Episode Recalled

Devanagari script

आनृशंस्यं परो धर्मस्तवत्त्त ऐव मया श्रुतः।जानामि त्वां महावीर्यं महोत्साहं महाबलम्।।5.38.41।।अपारपारमक्षोभ्यं गाम्भीर्यात्सागरोपमम्।भर्तारं ससमुद्राया धरण्या वासवोपमम्।।5.38.42।।

Transliteration

apārapāram akṣobhyaṃ gāmbhīryāt sāgaropamam | bhartāraṃ sa-samudrāyā dharaṇyā vāsavopamam ||5.38.42||

Translation

Boundless on both shores, unshakable, and deep like the ocean—thus I know him. He is the lord of the earth together with its seas, comparable to Vāsava (Indra).

Context

'O my supreme lord I know you are kind, righteous, valiant, vigroous, mighty. You are boundless, calm and deep like the ocean. You are lord of earth and the seas and compeer of Vasava. I have heard from you that motiveless compassion is the best way to make one righteous.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Hanumān
• Rāma
• Vāsava (Indra)
• Ocean (Sāgara)
• Earth (Dharaṇī)

FAQs

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

Dharma is framed as steadiness and depth: true sovereignty is unshakable self-mastery (akṣobhyatā) and profound responsibility as protector of the world.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā continues praising Rāma’s greatness before questioning why such a capable protector has not yet ended the rākṣasa threat and rescued her.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s gravity and composure—power that remains calm and stable, like the ocean.