Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 1, Shloka 18
प्रथमः सर्गः
Rama Praises Hanuman; Anxiety over Crossing the Ocean
यद्यप्येष तु वृत्तान्तो वैदेह्या गदितो मम ।समुद्रपारगमने हरीणां किमिहोत्तरम् ।।।।
yady apy eṣa tu vṛttānto vaidehyā gadito mama |
samudrapāragamane harīṇāṃ kim ihottaram ||
“Even though Vaidehī has conveyed this account to me, one question remains here: what answer is there for the vānaras’ crossing of the ocean?”
Agitated with sorrow, mighty armed Rama, the destroyer of enemies approached Hanuman and reflected (about the crossing of the ocean).ityārṣē śrīmadrāmāyaṇē vālmīkīyē ādikāvyē yuddhakāṇḍē prathamassargaḥThis is the end of the first Sarga of Yuddha Kanda of the first epic the holy Ramayana composed by sage Valmiki.
FAQs
Dharma is sustained by clear judgment: even with truthful information (Sītā’s account), action requires a responsible plan that does not endanger allies without purpose.
Rāma acknowledges the news received via Hanumān/Sītā’s message, but focuses on the unresolved logistical challenge of crossing the sea.
Rāma’s leadership accountability: he prioritizes finding a solution for the community (the vānaras), not merely personal urgency.