Shloka 16

रावणान्तःपुर-पानभूमि-विचयः

Hanumān’s Survey of Rāvaṇa’s Inner Palace and Banquet Hall

Devanagari script

तथाऽऽम्ललवणोत्तंसैर्विविधैरागषाडबैः।हारनूपुरकेयूरैरपविद्धैर्महाधनैः।।5.11.16।। पानभाजनविक्षिप्तैः फलैश्च विविधैरपि।कृतपुष्पोपहारा भूरधिकं पुष्यति श्रियम्।।5.11.17।।

Transliteration

tathā ’mlalavaṇottaṁsair vividhair āgaṣāḍabaiḥ | hāranūpurakeyūraiḥ apaviddhair mahādhanaiḥ ||5.11.16||

Translation

Ebenso gab es vielerlei reichhaltige Sirupe und Köstlichkeiten, gewürzt mit saurem und salzigem Geschmack; und kostbarer Schmuck — Halsketten, Fußreifen und Armreife — lag achtlos beiseitegeworfen.

Word by Word

तत्रthere

तत्रhere and there

चand

विन्यस्तैःarranged

सु-श्लिष्टैःwell-arranged

शयन-आसनैःwith beds and seats

पान-भूमिःthe banquet-hall / drinking area

विनाwithout

वह्निम्fire

प्रदीप्ताglowing

इवas if

उपलक्ष्यतेseems / is perceived

Context

The banquet hall looked splendid with food seasoned with salt and sour ingredients. There was ragashadavas (syrup made with grapes, pomegranates, different juices like half ripe mangoes and seasoned with ginger cardomom, butter etc). Heavy chains, anklets and shoulders-straps were thrown aside. (The people relaxed while eating and drinking and discarded heavy ornaments). Many glasses were found scattered or drinks spilt on the floor after use.Many fruits and flowers were kept.

Characters & Entities

Hanumān

pāna-bhūmi (banquet hall)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma is highlighted by implication: the scene of excess and discarded wealth underscores the moral distance between indulgent life in Rāvaṇa’s city and the disciplined purpose of Hanumān’s righteous mission.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān continues his survey of the banquet hall, noticing flavored preparations and expensive ornaments left aside by revelers.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Hanumān’s self-control (indriya-nigraha): he witnesses sensual abundance without deviating from his duty to find Sītā.