Shloka 5.11.33

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

Devanagari script

श्यामावदातास्तत्रान्याः काश्चित्कृष्णा वराङ्गनाः।।5.11.33।।काश्चित् काञ्चनवर्णाङ्ग्यः प्रमदा राक्षसालये।

Transliteration

śyāmāvadātās tatrānyāḥ kāścit kṛṣṇā varāṅganāḥ || 5.11.33 || kāścit kāñcana-varṇāṅgyaḥ pramadā rākṣasālaye |

Translation

There, within the rākṣasa dwelling, were other lovely women—some dark and lustrous of complexion, and some maidens whose bodies shone with a golden hue.

Context

There in the demons abode were women who were fair, some lovely with dark and others with golden complexion.

Characters & Entities

• rākṣasālaye (rākṣasa abode)
• Ravana (implied by the harem context)

FAQs

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

The verse sets the scene without moral judgment, preparing for Hanuman’s later dharmic self-scrutiny: even in morally sensitive spaces, perception should remain disciplined and non-exploitative.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanuman is moving through the inner quarters in Lanka, observing the women present as part of his search for Sita.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Implicitly, Hanuman’s restraint and purposefulness—he notices but remains focused on the mission.