Shloka 5.56.17

षट्पञ्चाशः सर्गः — वैदेही-आश्वासनम् तथा अरिष्टारोहणम् (Consoling Sita and Ascending Mount Arishta)

Devanagari script

कूटैश्च बहुधा कीर्णैश्शोभितं बहुकन्दरैः।सालतालाश्वकर्णैश्च वंशैश्च बहुभिर्वृतम्।।।।

Transliteration

kūṭaiś ca bahudhā kīrṇaiḥ śobhitaṃ bahu-kandaraiḥ |

sāla-tālāśvakarṇaiś ca vaṃśaiś ca bahubhir vṛtam ||

Translation

Adorned with many caves and strewn with numerous peaks, it looked splendid; and it was covered with many sāla trees, palms, aśvakarṇas, and bamboos.

Context

With many kinds of caves and peaks scattered all over, the mountain looked delightful. It was canopied with numerous trees like Sal, palms, Aswakarnas and bamboos.

Characters & Entities

• kūṭa (peak)
• kandara (cave)
• sāla (tree)
• tāla (palm)
• aśvakarṇa (tree)
• vaṃśa (bamboo)

FAQs

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

It highlights abundance and ordered variety in nature; a Dharmic reading sees the world as a structured field of life where beings have their place—encouraging non-violence and responsible conduct within an interdependent environment.

What is the narrative situation?

The narration catalogs the mountain’s physical features—peaks, caves, and forests—enriching the scene around Hanumān’s journey context.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Appreciative discernment (viveka): noticing detail without distraction parallels the mindful focus required for Dharmic action.