Ramayana — Sundara Kanda, Sarga 42, Shloka 18
द्विचत्वारिंशः सर्गः (Sarga 42): Omens in Laṅkā, Report to Rāvaṇa, and the Kinkara Assault
जानकीरक्षणार्थं वा श्रमाद्वा नोपलभ्यते।अथवा कश्श्रमस्तस्य सैव तेनाभिरक्षिता।।5.42.18।।
jānakī-rakṣaṇārthaṃ vā śramād vā nopalabhyate | athavā kaḥ śramas tasya saiva tenābhirakṣitā ||5.42.18||
“We cannot tell whether he spared it to protect Jānakī, or whether it was from fatigue. Or else—what fatigue could there be for him? Surely she alone was spared by him for her protection.”
"He has spared the simsupa tree with lovely, tender leaves and flowers which is a chosen resort by Sita.
FAQs
Protection of the vulnerable is central to dharma; the verse frames restraint not as weakness but as purposeful guardianship.
The rākṣasī-s interpret why Sītā’s area was not damaged, concluding it was deliberate protection rather than exhaustion.
Hanumān’s protective resolve and unwavering capability (implied tirelessness).