Shloka 5.10.23
रावणान्तःपुरे शयनदर्शनम् (Hanumān Observes Rāvaṇa’s Inner Apartments and Sleeping Court)
चूतपुन्नागसुरभिर्वकुलोत्तमसंयुतः।मृष्टान्नरससंयुक्तः पानगन्धपुरस्कृतः।।।।तस्य राक्षससिंहस्य निश्चक्राम महामुखात्।शयानस्य विनिःश्वासः पूरयन्निव तद् गृहम्।।।।
tasya rākṣasasiṃhasya niścakrāma mahāmukhāt |
śayānasya viniḥśvāsaḥ pūrayann iva tad gṛham ||5.10.24||
From the vast mouth of that lion among rākṣasas, as he lay asleep, his exhalation issued forth as though filling the entire chamber.
The breath released from the huge mouth of that lion of demons carried the fragrance of mango and punnaga as well as excellent Bakula flowers. It exuded the aroma of rich and delicious food and different drink. It was as though pervading the whole chamber.
It conveys the scale of adharma’s worldly dominance: Rāvaṇa’s presence seems to fill the space. The dharmic lesson is that oppressive power can feel all-encompassing, yet it remains temporary and ultimately answerable to truth (satya).
Hanumān watches Rāvaṇa sleeping and notes even his breath, emphasizing the demon-king’s immense physical presence.
Hanumān’s composure under intimidation—he remains steady even when the enemy’s sheer presence feels overwhelming.