Shloka 5.10.6

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

Devanagari script

जातरूपपरिक्षिप्तं चित्रभानुसमप्रभम्।अशोकमालाविततं ददर्श परमासनम्।।5.10.4।।वालव्यजनहस्ताभिर्वीज्यमानं समन्ततः।गन्धैश्च विविधैर्जुष्टं वरधूपेन धूपितम्।।5.10.5।।परमास्तरणास्तीर्णमाविकाजिनसंवृतम्।दामभिर्वरमाल्यानां समन्तादुपशोभितम्।।5.10.6।।

Transliteration

paramāstaraṇāstīrṇam āvikājinasaṃvṛtam |

dāmabhir varamālyānāṃ samantād upaśobhitam ||5.10.6||

Translation

He saw a splendid couch spread with the finest coverings, overlaid with soft woollen fleece, and beautified on every side with strings of excellent garlands.

Context

He saw an exquisite couch made of gold shining wonderfully like the Sun. It was decorated with ashoka flowers. Women were holding fans of chamari deer. It was upholstered with the best of bedspreads made of soft sheep skin and adorned with beautiful strings of flower garlands. Scented with aromatic smoke, it was refreshed with fragrance which had spread all over the place.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Rāvaṇa (implied by the royal couch/bedchamber context)

FAQs

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

The verse indirectly highlights the Ramayana’s recurring dharmic contrast: outward luxury and power are not proof of righteousness. Hanumān’s mission requires disciplined, truthful perception—seeing splendor without being tempted or morally confused by it.

What is the narrative situation?

While searching within Laṅkā, Hanumān reaches the inner royal quarters and carefully observes the magnificent couch and its adornments, continuing his investigation for Sītā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Hanumān’s steadiness and self-control: he remains focused on duty (Sītā-anveṣaṇa) despite the overwhelming opulence surrounding him.