Valmiki Ramayana 1.40.14 — Bala Kanda, Sarga 40, Shloka 14
सगरपुत्राणां रसातलगमनम्
The Descent of Sagara’s Sons and the Wrath of Kapila
यदा पर्वणि काकुत्स्थ विश्रमार्थं महागज:।।।।खेदाच्चालयते शीर्षं भूमिकम्पस्तदाभवेत्।
yadā parvaṇi kākutstha viśramārthaṃ mahāgajaḥ |
khēdāc cālayate śīrṣaṃ bhūmikampas tadā bhavet ||
ഹേ കാകുത്സ്ഥ രാമാ! പർവ്വദിനങ്ങളിൽ വിശ്രമാർത്ഥം ആ മഹാഗജൻ ക്ഷീണത്താൽ തല കുലുക്കുമ്പോൾ, അപ്പോൾ ഭൂമി കുലുങ്ങി ഭൂകമ്പം സംഭവിക്കുന്നു.
O descendant of Kakustha! when that mighty elephant shakes its head for rest from weariness on certain sacred days earthquake occurs.
FAQs
Dharma is implied as cosmic order: even natural events (like earthquakes) are presented as arising from the functioning of the world’s sustaining powers, reminding the listener to view the universe as structured and purposeful rather than random.
During the account of Sagara’s sons digging through the earth, the text explains a traditional cosmological reason for earthquakes—movement of a world-supporting elephant.
Rāma’s role as a thoughtful listener is highlighted indirectly: he receives instruction respectfully, a hallmark of disciplined inquiry aligned with dharma.
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