Shloka 10
Bhīma–Hanūmān Dialogue on Yugas (युगवर्णनम्)
हनूमानुवाच क एष हनुमान् नाम सागरो येन लड्घितः । पृच्छामि त्वां नरश्रेष्ठ कथ्यतां यदि शक््यते,हनुमानजी बोले--नरश्रेष्ठ! मैं तुमसे एक बात पूछता हूँ, वह हनुमान् कौन था जो समुद्रको लाँध गया था? उसके विषयमें यदि तुम कुछ कह सको तो कहो
Hanūmān uvāca: ka eṣa Hanūmān nāma sāgaraḥ yena laṅghitaḥ? pṛcchāmi tvāṃ naraśreṣṭha, kathyatāṃ yadi śakyate.
Hanuman sprach: „O Bester der Menschen, ich frage dich: Wer war jener, der Hanuman genannt wird und der den Ozean übersprang? Wenn du es vermagst, so berichte mir von ihm.“
भीम उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse models respectful inquiry and humility: even a mighty being frames a question politely and acknowledges limits (“if possible”). It also points to the ethical value of remembering exemplary deeds as sources of inspiration and guidance.
In the Vana Parva episode where Bhima encounters Hanuman, Hanuman questions Bhima about the famed ocean-leap associated with the name “Hanuman,” prompting the recounting/recognition of Hanuman’s own legendary exploit and setting up a lesson in strength tempered by wisdom.