Shloka 5.11.21

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

Devanagari script

सन्तता शुशुभे भूमिर्माल्यैश्च बहुसंस्थितैः।।5.11.21।।हिरण्मयैश्च विविधैर्भाजनैः स्फाटिकैरपि।जाम्बूनदमयैश्चान्यैः करकैरभिसंवृता।।5.11.22।।

Transliteration

santatā śuśubhe bhūmir mālyaiś ca bahusaṁsthitaiḥ ||5.11.21||

hiraṇmayaiś ca vividhair bhājanaiḥ sphāṭikair api | jāmbūnadamayaiś cānyaiḥ karakaiḥ abhisaṁvṛtā ||5.11.22||

Translation

The floor, spread all around, shone beautifully with garlands arranged in many ways; and it was covered with various vessels—some golden, some of crystal—and with other jars made of refined gold.

Context

(The banquet hall) appeared beautiful with many kinds of garlands arranged in different locations. Also there were vessels made of pure gold, crystalware and jars spread all over.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• pāna-bhūmi (banquet hall)

FAQs

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

The passage frames the moral lesson that prosperity (śrī) and ornamentation are ethically neutral; their value depends on alignment with dharma. In Laṅkā’s context, splendor coexists with wrongdoing, sharpening the epic’s moral contrast.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān observes the lavish decoration and precious vessels spread throughout the banquet area.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadfastness: Hanumān is not dazzled by wealth; he continues his search with disciplined attention.