Shloka 5.56.18

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

Devanagari script

लतावितानैर्विततैः पुष्पवद्भिरलङ्कृतम्।नानामृगगणाकीर्णं धातुनिष्यन्दभूषितम्।।।।

Transliteration

latā-vitānaiḥ vitataiḥ puṣpavadbhir alaṅkṛtam |

nānā-mṛga-gaṇākīrṇaṃ dhātu-niṣyanda-bhūṣitam ||

Translation

It was adorned with spreading canopies of creepers laden with flowers, crowded with many herds of animals, and beautified by streams of colorful mineral ooze flowing down its sides.

Context

It was spread with creepers filled with beautiful flowers and herds of animals. The colourful minerals flowing down decorated the mountain.

Characters & Entities

• latā (creeper)
• puṣpa (flower)
• mṛga (animals)
• dhātu (minerals/ores)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes honoring life’s flourishing. The verse’s emphasis on flowers, animals, and natural ‘ornaments’ encourages a value of protection and harmony with living beings (dayā).

What is the narrative situation?

The narrator continues to depict the mountain as richly alive—vegetation, wildlife, and mineral colors—enhancing the epic’s setting.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Compassionate regard (dayā) implied by recognizing the mountain as a shared habitat for many beings.