Shloka 4.3.2

हनूमत्संवादः / Hanuman’s Diplomatic Approach to Rama and Lakshmana

Devanagari script

कपिरूपं परित्यज्य हनुमान्मारुतात्मजः।भिक्षुरूपं ततो भेजे शठबुद्धितया कपिः।।

Transliteration

kapirūpaṃ parityajya hanumān mārutātmajaḥ |

bhikṣurūpaṃ tato bheje śaṭhabuddhitayā kapiḥ ||

Translation

Then Hanumān, the Wind-god’s son, setting aside his monkey-form, assumed the guise of a mendicant, employing keen and strategic intelligence.

Context

Hanuman, son of the Wind-god, with an ingenious mind assumed the guise of a mendicant.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Māruta (Wind-god)
• bhikṣu (mendicant)

FAQs

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

Dharma supports wise means (upāya) for a rightful end: adopting a harmless disguise to communicate safely is prudent, not deceitful, when it prevents conflict and serves a just purpose.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva’s minister Hanumān prepares to approach unknown armed princes; to avoid alarming them, he takes a mendicant’s appearance.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Buddhi (intelligence) and diplomacy—Hanumān’s strategic caution enables peaceful contact.