Shloka 10

Saptajana-āśrama Darśana and the Approach to Kiṣkindhā

Hermitage of Seven Sages; March toward Vāli’s Capital

Devanagari script

तटाकवैरिणश्चापि शुक्लदन्तविभूषितान्।घोरानेकचरान्वन्यान्द्विरदान्कूलघातिनः।।

Transliteration

taṭākavairiṇaś cāpi śukladantavibhūṣitān | ghorān ekacarān vanyān dviradān kūlaghātinaḥ || 4.13.10 ||

Translation

వారు అడవి ఏనుగులను చూశారు—భయంకరులు, ఒంటరిగా సంచరించువారు, తెల్లని దంతాలతో అలంకృతులు, చెరువులకు శత్రువులు, నదీ తీరాలను ధ్వంసం చేసేవారు।

Word by Word

तटाकवैरिणःdestroyers/enemies of tanks (ponds)

चand

अपिalso

शुक्लदन्तविभूषितान्adorned with white tusks

घोरान्terrific

एकचरान्solitary; wandering alone

वन्यान्wild; of the forest

द्विरदान्elephants (two-tusked)

कूलघातिनःdestroyers of the banks

Context

Observing terrific elephants adorned with white tusks wandering alone destroying the tanks, shattering the banks.

Characters & Entities

Elephants (dvirada)

Forest (vana)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma includes attentive conduct in the world: the journey is not reckless conquest but mindful passage through living ecosystems—recognizing power (elephants) and respecting boundaries.

What is the narrative situation?

As the party advances, the poet describes formidable wild elephants encountered in the forest landscape.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Saṁyama (self-control) and vigilance—moving through danger without needless violence.