Shloka 4.52.3

स्वयंप्रभा-संवादः (Svayamprabha’s Dialogue with the Vanaras)

Devanagari script

तस्यास्तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा हनूमान्मारुतात्मजः।आर्जवेन यथातत्त्वमाख्यातुमुपचक्रमे।।।।

Transliteration

tasyās tadvacanaṃ śrutvā hanūmān mārutātmajaḥ | ārjavena yathātattvam ākhyātum upacakrame ||

Translation

Hearing her words, Hanumān—the son of the Wind-god—began to recount the matter with sincerity, exactly as it truly was.

Context

When Hanuman, son of the Wind-god, heard her, he started narrating frankly and truthfully.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Māruta (Wind-god)

FAQs

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

Satya as dharma: Hanumān chooses truthful, straightforward narration (ārjava, yathātattva), showing that right speech is an ethical duty.

What is the narrative situation?

In response to the ascetic’s request, Hanumān begins explaining who they are and why they have come to the southern region.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Candor and reliability: Hanumān’s credibility is grounded in his commitment to factual, unembellished speech.