Shloka 6.27.9

वानर-ऋक्ष-सेना-प्रशंसा (Cataloguing the Vanara and Bear Forces)

Devanagari script

एषांमध्येस्थितोराजन्भीमाक्षोभीमदर्शनः ।पर्जन्यइवजीमूतैस्समन्तात्परिवारितः ।।6.27.8।।ऋक्षवन्तंगिरिश्रेष्ठमध्यास्तेनर्मदांपिबन् ।सर्वऋक्षाणामधिपतिर्धूम्रोनामैषयूथपः ।।6.27.9।।

Transliteration

ṛkṣavantaṃ giriśreṣṭham adhyāste narmadāṃ piban |

sarvaṛkṣāṇām adhipatir dhūmro nāmaiṣa yūthapaḥ ||6.27.9||

Translation

He dwells on the excellent mountain Ṛkṣavat, drinking the waters of the Narmadā. This troop-leader, named Dhūmra, is the lord of all the bears.

Context

"O king! In the midst of these (Vanaras) stands one with frightening eyes and fearful looks, just like Parjanya (RainGod) is surrounded by clouds, is the Lord of all these Bears called Dhumra. He dwells at the great Rkshavana mountain drinking Narmada's (river) water."

Characters & Entities

• Dhūmra
• Ṛkṣavat (mountain)
• Narmadā (river)
• Ṛkṣa (bears)

FAQs

How does this verse reflect satya (truthfulness) in the Ramayana’s war narrative?

Sugriva truthfully identifies Dhūmra—his name, domain (Ṛkṣavat), and status as lord of the bears—so Rama can rely on accurate knowledge while organizing allies for a dharma-based campaign.

What dharma-related value is implied by calling Dhūmra the ‘adhipati’ of all bears?

It implies rightful leadership and ordered responsibility: a recognized chief (adhipati) upholds discipline and collective duty, aligning the bear-host’s strength with Rama’s righteous purpose.