Shloka 5.10.12
रावणान्तःपुरे शयनदर्शनम् (Hanumān Observes Rāvaṇa’s Inner Apartments and Sleeping Court)
निःश्वसन्तं यथा नागं रावणं वानरर्षभः।आसाद्य परमोद्विग्नस्सोपासर्पत्सुभीतवत्।।।।
niḥśvasantaṃ yathā nāgaṃ rāvaṇaṃ vānararṣabhaḥ |
āsādya paramodvignaḥ sopāsarpat subhītavat ||
Reaching Rāvaṇa, whose breath came like that of a serpent, the bull among the Vānaras grew greatly agitated and drew back, as though struck by sudden fear.
Having reached Ravana, who was breathing (hissing) like a snake, Hanuman was for a moment frightened and drew away from him as if he was put to terrible fear.
Dharma includes prudent restraint: even the brave acknowledge danger and regulate action. Hanumān’s momentary withdrawal is not cowardice but strategic self-governance.
At very close range to the sleeping Rāvaṇa, Hanumān senses the threat (his hissing breath) and instinctively steps back.
Prudence joined to courage—Hanumān manages fear and avoids rash engagement that could imperil the mission.