Shloka 5.11.43

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

Devanagari script

यस्य सत्त्वस्य या योनिस्तस्यां तत्परिमार्ग्यते।न शक्या प्रमदा नष्टा मृगीषु परिमार्गितुम्।।5.11.43।।

Transliteration

aṅganānāṃ sahasreṇa bhūṣitena vibhūṣaṇaiḥ || 5.11.6 ||

rūpasallāpaśīlena yuktagītārthabhāṣiṇā |

deśakālābhiyuktena yuktavākyābhidhāyinā || 5.11.7 ||

ratābhiratasaṃsuptaṃ dadarśa hariyūthapaḥ |

Translation

The leader of the monkeys saw thousands of women, adorned with ornaments—skilled in graceful conversation, versed in the meaning of songs, mindful of what suits time and place, and adept in fitting speech—now asleep after prolonged revelry.

Context

'One has to search a creature among its own species. It is not possible to find a lost woman in the herd of female deer'.

Characters & Entities

• Hanuman

FAQs

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

Dharma here is conveyed by contrast: refinement and accomplishment without restraint can still culminate in heedlessness; Hanuman’s dharma is to remain unaffected and continue his righteous mission.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanuman surveys the luxurious inner chambers and observes the sleeping women, noting their adornment and cultured qualities.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Self-control (saṃyama) and moral clarity—Hanuman witnesses sensuality but does not become entangled in it.