Shloka 5.1.1

समुद्रलङ्घनारम्भः — Commencement of the Ocean-Crossing

Devanagari script

ततो रावणनीतायाः सीतायाः शत्रुकर्शनः।इयेष पदमन्वेष्टुं चारणाचरिते पथि।।।।

Transliteration

tato rāvaṇanītāyāḥ sītāyāḥ śatrukarśanaḥ |

iyeṣa padam anveṣṭuṁ cāraṇācarite pathi ||

Translation

Then Hanumān, crusher of foes, resolved to seek the whereabouts of Sītā carried off by Rāvaṇa, setting out along the path traversed by the Cāraṇas, the celestial bards.

Context

Hanuman, crusher of enemies resolved to find the whereabouts of Sita, carried away by Ravana. He followed the path of the Charanas, celestial bards.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Sītā
• Rāvaṇa
• Cāraṇas

FAQs

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

Dharma here is steadfast duty: Hanumān commits himself to a righteous mission—finding the innocent Sītā—without delay or self-interest.

What is the narrative situation?

At the outset of Sundarakāṇḍa, Hanumān begins the decisive search for Sītā after her abduction by Rāvaṇa.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Saṅkalpa (firm resolve) in service of truth and justice—Hanumān’s unwavering commitment to Rāma’s cause.