Ramayana — Sundara Kanda, Sarga 16, Shloka 2
षोडशः सर्गः (Sarga 16): Hanumān’s Recognition of Sītā and Renewed Lament
स मुहूर्तमिव ध्यात्वा बाष्पपर्याकुलेक्षणः।सीतामाश्रित्य तेजस्वी हनूमान्विललाप ह।।5.16.2।।
sa muhūrtam iva dhyātvā bāṣpa-paryākulekṣaṇaḥ | sītām āśritya tejasvī hanūmān vilalāpa ha ||5.16.2||
Hanuman—radiant and clear-minded—paused for a moment in thought; his eyes clouded with tears as he contemplated Sita’s plight, and he broke into lamentation.
"This celebrated lady is the eldest daughter-in-law of the noble, valiant king Dasaratha who never returned from the battle-ground without being victorious.
FAQs
Compassion aligned with duty: Hanuman’s tears are not weakness but moral sensitivity, showing that righteous service (dharma) includes empathetic awareness of another’s suffering.
In Lanka’s Aśoka grove, Hanuman has found Sita and, seeing her distress, briefly reflects and laments before deciding how to act.
Karunā (compassion) joined with tejas (moral strength and clarity), indicating a servant of dharma who feels deeply yet remains purposeful.