Shloka 5.11.45

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

Devanagari script

देवगन्धर्वकन्याश्च नागकन्याश्च वीर्यवान्।।5.11.45।।अवेक्षमाणो हनुमान्नैवापश्यत जानकीम्।

Transliteration

nānyatra hi mayā śakyā vaidehī parimārgitum || 5.11.42 ||

striyo hi strīṣu dṛśyante sadā samparimārgaṇe |

Translation

Truly, I cannot search for Vaidehī anywhere else; for in a thorough search, women are to be sought and recognized among women.

Context

Even while valiant Hanuman was looking among the daughters of gods, gandharvas and nagas he could not find Janaki.

Characters & Entities

• Vaidehi
• Sita

FAQs

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

Dharma as right method: Hanuman insists on a truthful, appropriate means of investigation—seeking Sita in the place where women would rightly be found, without arbitrary suspicion or disorderly searching.

What is the narrative situation?

After surveying parts of Ravana’s palace, Hanuman reasons that Sita must be searched for among the women’s quarters, not in unrelated places.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Practical wisdom (prajñā) joined with integrity—clear reasoning guided by the mission’s righteous aim.