Shloka 6.2.11

युद्धकाण्डे द्वितीयः सर्गः — Sugriva’s Counsel: From Grief to Strategy (Bridge to Lanka)

Devanagari script

अबध्वासागरेसेतुंघोरेचतुवरुणालये ।लङ्कांनमर्दितुंशक्यासेन्द्रैरपिसुरासुरैः ।।।।

Transliteration

abadhvā sāgare setuṃ ghore caturvaruṇālaye |

laṅkāṃ na mardituṃ śakyā sendrair api surāsuraiḥ ||

Translation

Without first building a bridge across the dreadful ocean—the realm of Varuṇa—even the gods and asuras, Indra included, cannot hope to crush Laṅkā.

Context

"Without building a bridge on that dreadful ocean, the abode of Varuna, it is not possible for suras or asuras accompanied by Indra also to crush Lanka."

Characters & Entities

• Laṅkā
• Varuṇa
• Indra
• Suras
• Asuras
• Ocean (Sāgara)
• Bridge (Setu)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is practical righteousness: a just goal must be pursued through proper means—planning, effort, and respect for natural order—rather than relying on mere power or pride.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma’s forces have reached the seashore before Laṅkā; counsel is given that Laṅkā cannot be taken unless a bridge is constructed to cross the ocean.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence and strategic clarity—recognizing constraints and choosing disciplined action over impulsive confidence.