पश्चिमदिशि अन्वेषणादेशः
Instructions for the Western Search Party
शोभितं तरुभिश्चित्रैर्नानापक्षिसमाकुलैः।निकेतं पाशहस्तस्य वरुणस्य महात्मनः।।4.42.45।।
śobhitaṃ tarubhiś citrair nānāpakṣisamākulaiḥ |
niketaṃ pāśahastasya varuṇasya mahātmanaḥ || 4.42.45 ||
विविध वृक्षांनी शोभलेले व नानाविध पक्ष्यांनी गजबजलेले ते रमणीय स्थान—पाशहस्त महात्मा वरुणदेवांचे निवासस्थान आहे।
'Between mount Asta (the mountain behind which the Sun sets) and Meru there is a shining golden palm tree with ten high peaks and wonderful altars around.
Dharma includes governance and restraint: Varuṇa’s noose symbolizes lawful control—order that protects the world when exercised by a ‘mahātman’ (one guided by higher good).
Sugrīva continues a guided description of the west, mentioning Varuṇa’s abode as a significant cosmographic feature.
Just authority—power (the noose) is framed as responsibility, not cruelty.