The Ocean Becomes Lanka's Moat
Bala Kanda, Sortha 178
Sortha 178 · Movement 2 of 2
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No ordinary trench circles Lanka. The fathomless ocean itself serves as moat on every side, separating the mountain fortress from approaching armies by a living immensity of depth, current, and wave.
Above the water stand golden ramparts set with gems. Sun and sea light travel across their surfaces, turning defence into splendour and making the boundary visible from far beyond the shore.
Their strength and beauty exceed words. Trikuta, ocean, gold, and jewel join into a capital that seems beyond invasion. The city awaits the ruler whose boon has already left only human and monkey hands outside his protection.
The sea closes around golden walls, and Lanka appears unreachable at the world's edge.
Read the passage from the Manas
खाईं सिंधु गभीर अति चारिहुँ दिसि फिरि आव। कनक कोट मनि खचित दृढ़ बरनि न जाइ बनाव।।178(क)।। हरिप्रेरित जेहिं कलप जोइ जातुधानपति होइ। सूर प्रतापी अतुलबल दल समेत बस सोइ।।178(ख)।।
Its moat is the fathomless ocean, encircling Lanka on all four sides. Its golden ramparts, studded with gems, stand so strong and splendid that no words can describe their beauty.