Shloka 5.11.40

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

Devanagari script

कामं दृष्टा मया सर्वा विश्वस्ता रावणस्त्रियः।।5.11.40।।न हि मे मनसः किञ्चिद्वैकृत्यमुपजायते।

Transliteration

kāmaṃ dṛṣṭā mayā sarvā viśvastā rāvaṇa-striyaḥ || 5.11.40 || na hi me manasaḥ kiñcid vaikṛtyam upajāyate |

Translation

Truly, I have seen all Ravana’s faithful women; yet in my mind not the slightest perversion or desire has arisen.

Context

'It is true I saw all the loyal wives of Ravana but without any foul desire. Indeed in my mind no passionate feeling was ever aroused'.

Characters & Entities

• Hanuman
• Ravana
• rāvaṇa-striyaḥ (Ravana’s women/wives)

FAQs

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

Inner purity is central to dharma: righteousness is measured by intention and mental discipline, not only by external action.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanuman reassures himself that his entry into the women’s quarters was mission-driven and did not awaken desire.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Mental chastity and truthfulness (satya) in self-assessment.