Shloka 5.10.39

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

Devanagari script

पटहं चारुसर्वाङ्गी पीड्य शेते शुभस्तनी।चिरस्य रमणं लब्ध्वा परिष्वज्येव भामिनी।।।।

Transliteration

paṭahaṃ cāru-sarvāṅgī pīḍya śete śubha-stanī |

cirasya ramaṇaṃ labdhvā pariṣvajyeva bhāminī ||

Translation

A lovely, full-limbed woman with beautiful breasts slept clasping a paṭaha-drum, as though a passionate woman were embracing a lover obtained after a long time.

Context

Another charming beauty endowed with beautiful breasts lay hugging a tambourine as though a passionate woman lay embracing her lover whom she secured after a long time.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān (implied observer)
• paṭaha (drum)

FAQs

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

The verse functions as a backdrop for dharma-by-contrast: the worldly atmosphere of indulgence is described poetically, while the dharmic hero (Hanumān) remains inwardly untouched and truthful to his purpose.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān surveys the sleeping residents of the palace quarters and sees one woman holding a drum with an embrace likened to lovers’ reunion.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Inner purity and self-discipline (śaucam, saṃyama) in Hanumān, implied by his non-participation and careful observation.