Shloka 4.3.8
हनूमत्संवादः / Hanuman’s Diplomatic Approach to Rama and Lakshmana
पम्पातीररुहान्वृक्षान् वीक्षमाणौ समन्ततः।इमां नदीं शुभजलां शोभयन्तौ तपस्विनौ4.3.7।।धैर्यवन्तौ सुवर्णाभौ कौ युवां चीरवाससौ।निःश्वसन्तौ वरभुजौ पीडयन्ताविमाः प्रजा:4.3.8।।
dhairyavantau suvarṇābhau kau yuvāṃ cīravāsasau |
niḥśvasantau varabhujau pīḍayantāv imāḥ prajāḥ ||4.3.8||
Who are you two—steadfast and golden-hued—though young, wearing garments of bark? With noble arms you breathe deep sighs, and your very presence seems to make these creatures tremble.
'Gazing at the trees on the bank of Pampa, you both appear in brilliant complexion as if to enhance the beauty of the auspicious river water. Though young, courageous and with handsome shoulders, you seem to sigh in exhaustion. And though you look like ascetics robed in bark, you seem to terrify these creatures.
The verse highlights inner truth versus outer appearance: even when one adopts austere signs (bark garments), one must remain steady in purpose and self-controlled. Dharma values discernment—recognizing that grief and duty can coexist, and that righteous persons may still bear sorrow.
Hanumān, sent to reconnoiter, sees two unknown men (Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa) near Pampā. He reports their striking ascetic appearance, youthful vigor, and visible grief, noting how the forest beings are alarmed.
Dhairya (steadfastness) is emphasized—strength held with restraint—alongside the implied virtue of tapas-like discipline suggested by their bark garments.