Shloka 5.12.12

द्वादशः सर्गः — हनूमतः अन्तःपुरविचयः (Hanuman’s Search Through Ravana’s Inner Apartments)

Devanagari script

आपानशाला विचितास्तथा पुष्पगृहाणि च।।।।चित्रशालाश्च विचिता भूयः क्रीडागृहाणि च।निष्कुटान्तररथ्याश्च विमानानि च सर्वशः।।।।

Transliteration

āpānaśālā vicitās tathā puṣpagṛhāṇi ca ||

citraśālāś ca vicitā bhūyaḥ krīḍāgṛhāṇi ca |

niṣkuṭāntararathyāś ca vimānāni ca sarvaśaḥ ||

Translation

I have searched the drinking-halls and the flower-bowers as well; I have also searched the painted galleries and again the play-houses. Everywhere I have searched—the lanes within garden-courtyards, and even the aerial palaces.

Context

'I have searched the banquet halls, bowers of creepers, picture galleries and gymnasiums. I have searched everywhere through the paths of gardens and mansions, harems and the Pushpaka chariot also.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Laṅkā (palatial complexes)
• vimāna (aerial palace/chariot; includes the idea of Puṣpaka in this setting)

FAQs

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

Dharma is shown as thoroughness and accountability in duty: Hanumān systematically verifies every plausible place rather than making assumptions.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān enumerates the many types of halls and chambers he has already examined in Laṅkā while searching for Sītā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Methodical diligence (vyavasāya) and responsible effort—leaving no reasonable location unchecked.