Shloka 5.10.36

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

Devanagari script

अङ्गहारैस्तथैवान्या कोमलैर्नृत्तशालिनी।विन्यस्तशुभसर्वाङ्गी प्रसुप्ता वरवर्णिनी।।।।

Transliteration

aṅgahārais tathaivānyā komalair nṛttaśālinī |

vinyasta-śubha-sarvāṅgī prasuptā vara-varṇinī ||

Translation

Another woman—delicate, a skilled dancer, and of exquisite complexion—slept with her graceful limbs still arranged in a dance-posture, as if habit held her body even in sleep.

Context

Another woman exceedingly beautiful and a delicate danseuse of beautiful complexion and rhythmic movements held her limbs in a dancing posture (though asleep) due to her habit .

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Rāvaṇa’s wives

FAQs

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

It points to saṃskāra (habit) shaping life: repeated actions imprint the body and mind. Dharma therefore urges cultivating truthful, disciplined habits, since they persist even when awareness fades.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān notices a dancer among the palace women, asleep yet posed like one still performing.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Hanumān’s perceptiveness—he observes subtle details while remaining inwardly committed to his righteous mission.