Shloka 3.54.1

सीताहरणोत्तरं लङ्काप्रवेशः — Sita’s Abduction and Ravana’s Entry into Lanka

Devanagari script

ह्रियमाणा तु वैदेही कञ्चिन्नाथमपश्यती।ददर्श गिरिशृङ्गस्थान्पञ्च वानरपुङ्गवान्।।।।

Transliteration

hriyamāṇā tu vaidehī kañcin nātham apaśyatī |

dadarśa giriśṛṅga-sthān pañca vānarapuṅgavān ||3.54.1||

Translation

As Vaidehī was being carried away, seeing no protector at hand, she beheld upon a mountain peak five mighty leaders among the monkeys.

Context

While Sita was being kidnapped, she saw no one to protect her. Only five great monkeys stood on the top of a mountain.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā (Vaidehī)
• Rāvaṇa (implied abductor)
• five vānaras (monkeys)
• mountain peak (giriśṛṅga)

FAQs

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

Even amid adharma, dharma seeks support and rightful refuge (nātha). The verse highlights the need for protection of the innocent and foreshadows aid aligned with righteousness.

What is the narrative situation?

During the abduction, Sītā looks for help and spots five powerful monkeys on a mountain, a narrative bridge toward the vānaras’ later role.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s presence of mind and hope: despite fear, she observes potential allies and continues seeking a path toward rescue.