Ramayana — Sundara Kanda, Sarga 56, Shloka 17
षट्पञ्चाशः सर्गः — वैदेही-आश्वासनम् तथा अरिष्टारोहणम्
Consoling Sita and Ascending Mount Arishta
कूटैश्च बहुधा कीर्णैश्शोभितं बहुकन्दरैः।सालतालाश्वकर्णैश्च वंशैश्च बहुभिर्वृतम्।।।।
kūṭaiś ca bahudhā kīrṇaiḥ śobhitaṃ bahu-kandaraiḥ |
sāla-tālāśvakarṇaiś ca vaṃśaiś ca bahubhir vṛtam ||
Dihiasi oleh banyak gua dan bertaburan pelbagai puncak, gunung itu tampak gemilang; dan ia diselubungi oleh banyak pokok sāla, palma, aśvakarṇa, serta rumpun buluh yang melimpah.
With many kinds of caves and peaks scattered all over, the mountain looked delightful. It was canopied with numerous trees like Sal, palms, Aswakarnas and bamboos.
FAQs
It highlights abundance and ordered variety in nature; a Dharmic reading sees the world as a structured field of life where beings have their place—encouraging non-violence and responsible conduct within an interdependent environment.
The narration catalogs the mountain’s physical features—peaks, caves, and forests—enriching the scene around Hanumān’s journey context.
Appreciative discernment (viveka): noticing detail without distraction parallels the mindful focus required for Dharmic action.