Shloka 5.62.18

मधुवनभङ्गः — The Disruption of Madhuvana and Dadhimukha’s Complaint

Devanagari script

ततो दधिमुख: क्रुद्धो वनपस्तत्र वानरः।हतं मधुवनं श्रुत्वा सान्त्वयामास तान् हरीन्।।5.62.18।।

Transliteration

tato dadhimukhaḥ kruddho vanapas tatra vānaraḥ | hataṃ madhuvanaṃ śrutvā sāntvayāmāsa tān harīn ||5.62.18||

Translation

Then Dadhimukha, the grove’s guardian among the vānaras, grew angry on hearing that Madhuvana had been destroyed; yet he consoled those vānaras with reassuring words.

Context

Then Dadhimukha, the guardian of the garden became furious on the vanaras. Having heard from the guards that the garden was destroyed, he said soothing words to them.

Characters & Entities

• Dadhimukha
• Madhuvana
• Vānaras
• Madhupāla (guards)

FAQs

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

Dharma in leadership balances righteous anger against wrongdoing with compassion toward those harmed; consolation and protection of subordinates is a duty.

What is the narrative situation?

After hearing the guards’ report, Dadhimukha becomes enraged at the destruction but first calms the distressed watchmen.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Dadhimukha’s protective leadership—steadiness, empathy, and responsible response.