Shloka 5.11.18

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

Devanagari script

तत्र तत्र च विन्यस्तै: सुश्लिष्टैश्शयनासनैः।पानभूमिर्विना वह्निं प्रदीप्तेवोपलक्ष्यते।।5.11.18।।

Transliteration

tatra tatra ca vinyastaiḥ suśliṣṭaiḥ śayanāsanaiḥ | pānabhūmir vinā vahniṁ pradīpteva upalakṣyate ||5.11.18||

Translation

Here and there, with well-set couches and seats placed in close order, the banquet hall appeared to glow as if aflame, though no fire was there.

Context

Good couches and different kinds of seats were well-arranged in the banquet hall. The place appeared as if it was glowing witout fire.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• pāna-bhūmi (banquet hall)

FAQs

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

It subtly warns that appearances can be deceptive: a place can ‘shine’ outwardly while being tied to adharma. Dharma requires seeing beyond surface brilliance.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān observes the arrangement and illumination-like splendor of the hall as he continues searching within Laṅkā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Alertness and clear perception: Hanumān notices fine details (order, placement, ambiance) useful for stealth and assessment.