Shloka 5.11.9

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

Devanagari script

स राक्षसेन्द्रः शुशुभे ताभिः परिवृतस्स्वयम्।।5.11.9।।करेणुभिर्यथाऽरण्ये परिकीर्णो महाद्विपः।

Transliteration

sa rākṣasendraḥ śuśubhe tābhiḥ parivṛtaḥ svayam |

kareṇubhir yathā'raṇye parikīrṇo mahādvipaḥ ||

Translation

Surrounded by those women, the lord of the rākṣasas shone—like a great elephant in the forest, encircled by female elephants all around.

Context

Surrounded by the women, the demon king shone like a proud elephant attended by many female elephants scattered in a dense forest.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• rākṣasas
• women of the inner palace (antaḥpura)

FAQs

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

The verse indirectly contrasts outer splendor with inner righteousness: worldly glamour and power can appear radiant, yet Dharma evaluates character and conduct rather than mere magnificence.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān, moving through Laṅkā, observes Rāvaṇa within his luxurious inner quarters, surrounded by women; the narrator depicts the scene through a vivid simile.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By implication, Hanumān’s discernment and self-control: he witnesses seductive opulence yet remains focused on his duty—finding Sītā.