Shloka 23
अशोकवनिकाविचारः
Survey of the Aśoka Grove and its Enchanted Landscape
वापीश्च विविधाकाराः पूर्णाः परमवारिणा।
महार्हैर्मणिसोपानैरुपपन्नास्ततस्ततः।।5.14.22।।
मुक्ताप्रवालसिकताः स्फाटिकान्तरकुट्टिमाः।
काञ्चनैस्तरुभिश्चित्रैस्तीरजैरुपशोभिताः।।5.14.23।।
फुल्लपद्मोत्पलवनाश्चक्रवाकोपकूजिताः।
नत्यूहरुतसंघुष्टा हंससारसनादिताः।।5.14.24।।
दीर्घाभिर्द्रुमयुक्ताभिः सरद्भिश्च समन्ततः।
अमृतोपमतोयाभिश्शिवाभिरुपसंस्कृताः।।5.14.25।।
लताशतैरवततास्सन्तानकुसुमावृताः।
नानागुल्मावृतघनाः करवीरकृतान्तराः।।5.14.26।।
muktā-pravāla-sikatāḥ sphāṭikāntara-kuṭṭimāḥ |
kāñcanais tarubhiś citrais tīrajair upaśobhitāḥ ||5.14.23||
അവൻ മുത്തും പ്രവാളവും പോലെയുള്ള മണൽ വിരിഞ്ഞതും, അകത്തെ കല്ലുപാളി സ്ഫടികം പതിപ്പിച്ചതുമായ, തീരങ്ങളിൽ വളർന്ന വർണ്ണവൈവിധ്യമുള്ള കാഞ്ചനമയ വൃക്ഷങ്ങൾ കൊണ്ട് അത്യന്തം ശോഭിച്ച വാപികൾ കണ്ടു.
He observed ponds of different shapes filled with clear water with steps paved with rich gems, with sands of pearls and corals and bottoms of crystal, which contained beds of lotuses in bloom, adorned with chakravaka birds and resonant with cacklings of swans and sarasas and vatyuhas rubbing their beaks. There were golden platforms built on banks and platforms built of crystals. There were trees on the bank of streams, and nectarlike sacred waters flowing in them surrounded by hundreds of creepers, and Ashoka blossoms scattered everywhere, with thickly grown bushes of different kinds, with lilies in bloom in tanks.
FAQs
The verse indirectly highlights viveka (discernment): outward luxury and aesthetic perfection are not themselves signs of righteousness. In the Ramayana’s moral frame, Hanuman’s steady purpose (service to Rama and search for Sita) must remain untouched by such sensory allure.
While moving through Lanka, Hanuman observes the city’s refined gardens and water-structures—ponds with jewel-like materials and ornamented banks—cataloguing the grandeur he encounters.
Hanuman’s self-control and mission-focus: despite being surrounded by beauty and wealth, he continues as an observant yet unattached agent of Rama’s cause.