Shloka 5.12.21

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

Devanagari script

नागकन्या वरारोहाः पूर्णचन्र्दनिभाननाः।दृष्टा हनुमता तत्र न तु सीता सुमध्यमा।।।।

Transliteration

nāgakanyā varārohāḥ pūrṇacandranibhānanāḥ |

dṛṣṭā hanumatā tatra na tu sītā sumadhyamā ||

Translation

He saw Nāga maidens, graceful in form with faces like the full moon; but he did not see Sītā, the slender-waisted.

Context

Hanuman could see there moon-faced daughters of nagas with charming limbs but not the slim-waisted Sita.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Nāga maidens (Nāgakanyāḥ)
• Sītā

FAQs

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

Constancy in dharma: even in extraordinary surroundings, the righteous agent does not lose the thread of duty.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān’s search reveals many wondrous beings in Laṅkā, yet Sītā remains unseen.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadfastness—he continues searching despite repeated disappointment.