Shloka 5.12.17

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

Devanagari script

चतुरङ्गुलमात्रोऽपि नावकाशः स विद्यते।रावणान्तःपुरे तस्मिन् यं कपिर्न जगाम सः।।।।

Transliteration

caturaṅgulamātro'pi nāvakāśaḥ sa vidyate |

rāvaṇāntaḥpure tasmin yaṃ kapirna jagāma saḥ ||

Translation

In that inner apartment of Ravana, there did not exist even a space of four fingers' breadth where that monkey did not go.

Context

Even a space of four fingers in the inner chambers of Ravana was not left out in his search for Sita.

Characters & Entities

• Ravana
• Hanuman

FAQs

What quality of Hanuman is highlighted in this verse?

This verse highlights Hanuman's extreme diligence, perseverance, and thoroughness (Yatna) in his duty (Dharma) to find Sita, leaving no space unchecked.

What is the significance of the phrase 'four fingers' (chaturangula)?

The term 'chaturangula' is idiomatic, representing the smallest possible space. It emphasizes that Hanuman's search was exhaustive and he did not overlook even the tiniest corner of the palace.