Shloka 4.3.5
हनूमत्संवादः / Hanuman’s Diplomatic Approach to Rama and Lakshmana
राजर्षिदेवप्रतिमौ तापसौ संशितव्रतौ।देशं कथमिमं प्राप्तौ भवन्तौ वरवर्णिनौ।।त्रासयन्तौ मृगगणानन्यांश्च वनचारिणः।।
rājarṣidevapratimau tāpasau saṃśitavratau |
deśaṃ katham imaṃ prāptau bhavantau varavarṇinau ||
trāsayantau mṛgagaṇān anyāṃś ca vanacāriṇaḥ ||
You two, fair in appearance, resembling royal sages and gods—ascetics steadfast in vows—how have you come to this region, as though causing fear to the herds of deer and other forest-dwellers?
'You both fair in complexion, resemble royal sages or gods. You appear like ascetics and pursue vows in austerity. How come, you are present here, as if to frighten the animals and other creatures roaming this forest?
Responsible inquiry: dharma permits questioning strangers for safety, but it should be framed respectfully and truth-seeking, not accusatory.
Hanuman, sent by Sugriva, assesses the newcomers’ identity and purpose, noting their ascetic appearance and the fear their presence causes among animals.
Prudence with courtesy—Hanuman’s careful investigation combined with honoring the apparent sanctity and dignity of the two strangers.