Shloka 6.126.20

पुष्पकविमानयात्रा—सेतुबन्धादि-दर्शनम् (Pushpaka Aerial Journey and Survey of Sacred Landmarks)

Devanagari script

एतत्तुदृश्यतेतीर्थंसागरस्यमहात्मनः ।।।।सेतुबन्दइतिख्यातंत्रैलोक्येन च पूजितम् ।एतत्पवित्रंपरमंमहापातकनाशनम् ।।।।अत्रराक्षसराजोऽऽयमाजगामविभीषणः ।

Transliteration

etat tu dṛśyate tīrthaṃ sāgarasya mahātmanaḥ | setubandha iti khyātaṃ trailokyena ca pūjitam | etat pavitraṃ paramaṃ mahāpātakanāśanam | atra rākṣasarājo 'yam ājagāma vibhīṣaṇaḥ ||

Translation

See this sacred ford of the great Ocean—renowned as Setubandha and revered in the three worlds. Supremely pure, it destroys even great sins. It was here that this rākṣasa king, Vibhīṣaṇa, came to me.

Context

"See in the middle of the ocean a very popular spot which is worshipped by the three worlds. It is supremely sacred known by the name Sethubandha. It is capable of removing all sins. It is here that the Rakshasa king Vibhishana came to meet me."

Characters & Entities

• Setubandha (bridge-site/pilgrimage place)
• Ocean (Sāgara)
• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Three worlds (trailokya)

FAQs

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

Sanctifying righteous action through truth and refuge: Setubandha becomes a tīrtha because it served a dhārmic purpose, and Vibhīṣaṇa’s coming signifies choosing satya and dharma over unjust loyalty.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma points out Setubandha during the flight and recalls the moment when Vibhīṣaṇa arrived and sought alliance/refuge before the crossing to Laṅkā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vibhīṣaṇa’s moral courage and commitment to truth—approaching Rāma despite the cost of breaking with Rāvaṇa.