Shloka 16
कुम्भकर्णप्रस्थानम् तथा अङ्गदप्रेरणा
Kumbhakarna’s sortie and Angada’s rallying of the Vanaras
तेस्थलानितदानिम्नंविवर्णमानाभयात् ।ऋक्षावृक्षान् समारूढाःकेचित्पर्वतमाश्रिताः ।।।।
te sthalāni tadā nimnaṃ vivarṇavadanā bhayāt | ṛkṣā vṛkṣān samārūḍhāḥ kecit parvatam āśritāḥ ||
Ketika itu, dengan wajah pucat kerana takut, mereka bergegas ke tanah rendah; ada yang—para beruang—memanjat pokok, dan ada yang berlindung pada gunung-ganang.
Out of fear the vanaras rushed to plains with pale countenance, some climbed up mountains and bears climbed up trees.
FAQs
The verse illustrates भय (fear) as a destabilizing force; dharma-based leadership must restore steadiness and truthfulness of purpose amid panic.
The allied troops scatter for safety—some to low ground, some climbing trees, others taking shelter in mountains—showing battlefield disarray.
Caution/self-preservation is shown rather than virtue; it sets up the need for renewed courage and disciplined return to righteous action.