Shloka 5.10.32

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

Devanagari script

नृत्तवादित्रकुशला राक्षसेन्द्रभुजाङ्कगाः।वराभरणधारिण्यो निषण्णा ददृशे हरिः।।।।

Transliteration

nṛtta-vāditra-kuśalā rākṣasendra-bhujāṅkagāḥ |

varābharaṇa-dhāriṇyo niṣaṇṇā dadṛśe hariḥ ||

Translation

Hanumān saw women skilled in dance and music, wearing fine ornaments, reclining as they rested upon the demon-king’s arms and lap.

Context

Hanuman saw the women there wearing fine jewellery, performing dances, playing musical instruments, and resting on the lap or leaning on the arms of the demon king.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Rāvaṇa
• Rāvaṇa’s wives

FAQs

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

The verse underscores the Ramayana’s ethical discernment: pleasure and skill are not condemned, but when centered around an adharma-driven ruler, they become part of a life that ignores satya and restraint.

What is the narrative situation?

In the royal bedchamber, Hanumān witnesses the demon-king’s consorts resting near him, indicating the atmosphere of indulgence in the palace.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Hanumān’s detachment—he remains unmoved by sensual spectacle and continues his duty-bound search.