Ramayana — Sundara Kanda, Sarga 10, Shloka 21
रावणान्तःपुरे शयनदर्शनम्
Hanumān Observes Rāvaṇa’s Inner Apartments and Sleeping Court
ददर्श स कपिस्तत्र बाहू शयनसंस्थितौ।मन्दरस्यांतरे सुप्तौ महाही रुषिताविव।।।।
dadarśa sa kapis tatra bāhū śayanasaṃsthitau |
mandarasyāntare suptau mahāhī ruṣitāv iva ||
Dort erblickte der Affenheld die beiden Arme, die auf dem Lager ruhten, gleich zwei gewaltigen Schlangen, die in einer Höhle des Berges Mandara schlafen, als wären sie noch immer voll Grimm.
The vanara, gazed at the arms of Ravana placed on the couch that appeared like two angry snakes asleep in a cave on (the lap) of mount Mandara.
FAQs
Dharma includes prudent assessment of danger. The imagery teaches that a righteous agent does not act rashly; he observes, measures risk, and proceeds with disciplined intelligence.
Hanumān visually examines Rāvaṇa’s limbs as the demon-king sleeps, noting their terrifying appearance through vivid similes.
Strategic caution combined with courage—Hanumān’s capacity to stay composed in the enemy’s inner sanctum.