HomeRamayanaSundara KandaSarga 10Shloka 5.10.41
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Shloka 5.10.41

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

विपञ्चीं परिगृह्यान्या नियता नृत्तशालिनी।निद्रावशमनुप्राप्ता सह कान्तेव भामिनी।।।।

vipañcīṃ parigṛhyānyā niyatā nṛttaśālinī |

nidrāvaśam anuprāptā saha kānteva bhāminī ||

Another woman—self-possessed and skilled in dance—slept with a vipañcī in her arms, as though a beloved had been overtaken by sleep beside her lover.

Another self-possessed lady, graceful in dance, holding a seven-stringed lute was as though lying asleep with her beloved.

H
Hanumān (implied observer)
V
vipañcī (lute)

The larger ethical point is fidelity to one’s righteous task: Hanumān remains steady in satya and dharma while witnessing scenes of pleasure and sleep.

In Laṅkā’s women’s quarters, Hanumān observes another sleeping performer holding her instrument, described as if sleeping beside her beloved.

Alertness without intrusion—ethical vigilance (apramāda) coupled with respect for boundaries.