Shloka 5.10.2

रावणान्तःपुरे शयनदर्शनम् (Hanumān Observes Rāvaṇa’s Inner Apartments and Sleeping Court)

Devanagari script

तत्र दिव्योपमं मुख्यं स्फाटिकं रत्नभूषितम्।अवेक्षमाणो हनुमान् ददर्श शयनासनम्।।5.10.1।।दान्तकाञ्चनचित्राङ्गैर्वैडूर्यैश्च वरासनैः।महार्हास्तरणोपेतैरुपपन्नं महाधनैः।।5.10.2।।

Transliteration

śaśakṣatajakalpena suśītena sugandhinā |

candanena parārdhyena svanuliptau svalaṅkṛtau ||5.10.19||

Translation

Those arms were anointed and adorned with exquisite sandal paste—cool, fragrant, and reddish like the blood of a hare—so that they gleamed in luxurious finery even as they lay at rest.

Context

Looking around, Hanuman noticed a bed chamber, with a heavenly dais on which he saw a couch encrusted with crystals, vaidurya, and inlaid with colourful ivory and gold. It had an exquisite rich covering.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Candana (sandal paste)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is shown by contrast: external adornment and sensual refinement do not equal righteousness. The Ramayana repeatedly distinguishes inner virtue (dharma, satya) from outward splendor.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān, hidden in the palace, observes Rāvaṇa’s body—especially his mighty arms—lying on a bed, perfumed and decorated, as part of assessing the enemy while continuing the search for Sītā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Hanumān’s clarity of judgment: he notes details precisely without being morally impressed by luxury, keeping truth (satya) about character separate from appearance.