Shloka 16
ऋक्षबिलप्रवेशः
Entry into the Rikshabilam Cave
अस्माच्चापि बिलाद्धंसाः क्रौञ्चाश्च सह सारसैः।।4.50.15।।जलार्द्राश्चक्रवाकाश्च निष्पतन्ति स्म सर्वशः।नूनं सलिलवानत्र कूपो वा यदि वा ह्रदः।।4.50.16।।तथा चेमे बिलद्वारि स्निग्धास्तिष्ठन्ति पादपाः।
ity uktvā tad bilaṃ sarve viviśus timirāvṛtam |
acandrasūryaṃ harayo dadṛśū romaharṣaṇam ||
Dicho esto, todos entraron en aquella cueva velada por la oscuridad. Los monos contemplaron una tiniebla sin luna ni sol, que les erizó el vello de espanto.
'From this cave have emerged several birds like sarasas, swans, kraunchas and chakravakas drenched in water. Surely there must be a source of plenty of water or well or a pond. Moreover there are shining( green) trees at the entrance of the cave (suggesting subsoil water).'
FAQs
Dharma as steadfastness: once a righteous course is chosen, they proceed together, accepting hardship without abandoning collective responsibility.
The troop enters the cave and encounters complete darkness, heightening tension and danger.
Solidarity and endurance—moving forward as a group despite fear.