Shloka 5.11.5

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

Devanagari script

मुरजेषु मृदङ्गेषु पीठिकासु च संस्थिताः।।5.11.5।।तथाऽऽस्तरणमुख्येषु संविष्टाश्चापराः स्त्रियः।

Transliteration

devagandharvakanyāś ca nāgakanyāś ca vīryavān || 5.11.45 ||

avekṣamāṇo hanumān naivāpaśyata jānakīm |

Translation

Valiant Hanumān, looking closely even among maidens like those of the gods and gandharvas, and among nāga-maidens, still did not see Jānakī.

Context

Some women reclined on tabors, some on murajas, and some on drums and hassocks while some slept on excellent couches.

Characters & Entities

• Hanuman
• Janaki
• Sita
• Gandharvas
• Nagas

FAQs

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

Commitment to truth (satya) and perseverance in duty: despite searching among the most radiant women, Hanuman accepts the truth—Sita is not there—and continues his righteous effort.

What is the narrative situation?

The narration emphasizes the breadth of Hanuman’s search and the continued absence of Sita.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Perseverance (utsāha) and careful attention (apramāda).