Shloka 5.11.17

रावणान्तःपुर-पानभूमि-विचयः (Hanumān’s Survey of Rāvaṇa’s Inner Palace and Banquet Hall)

Devanagari script

तथाऽऽम्ललवणोत्तंसैर्विविधैरागषाडबैः।हारनूपुरकेयूरैरपविद्धैर्महाधनैः।।5.11.16।। पानभाजनविक्षिप्तैः फलैश्च विविधैरपि।कृतपुष्पोपहारा भूरधिकं पुष्यति श्रियम्।।5.11.17।।

Transliteration

pānabhājanavikṣiptaiḥ phalaiś ca vividhair api | kṛtapuṣpopahārā bhūr adhikaṁ puṣyati śriyam ||5.11.17||

Translation

With drinking-vessels strewn about and many kinds of fruits scattered, and with offerings of flowers arranged, the very ground seemed to display an even greater splendor.

Context

The banquet hall looked splendid with food seasoned with salt and sour ingredients. There was ragashadavas (syrup made with grapes, pomegranates, different juices like half ripe mangoes and seasoned with ginger cardomom, butter etc). Heavy chains, anklets and shouldersstraps were thrown aside. (The people relaxed while eating and drinking and discarded heavy ornaments). Many glasses were found scattered or drinks spilt on the floor after use.Many fruits and flowers were kept.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• pāna-bhūmi (banquet hall)

FAQs

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

The verse reinforces discernment: splendor can mask moral disorder. In dharmic reading, Hanumān learns to distinguish external beauty from inner righteousness.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān notes the aftermath of revelry—vessels and fruits strewn—yet the hall remains decorated with flowers, suggesting ongoing luxury.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Practical intelligence and focus: Hanumān gathers situational awareness while keeping his objective central.