Shloka 5.12.23

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

Devanagari script

सोऽपश्यंस्तां महाबाहुः पश्यंश्चान्या वरस्त्रियः।विषसाद मुहुर्धीमान् हनुमान् मारुतात्मजः।।।।

Transliteration

so 'paśyaṃs tāṃ mahābāhuḥ paśyaṃś cānyā varastriyaḥ |

viṣasāda muhur dhīmān hanumān mārutātmajaḥ ||

Translation

Seeing many noble women yet not seeing her, the wise, long-armed Hanumān—the son of the Wind—again and again sank into dejection.

Context

The long-armed Hanuman, son of the Wind-god was able to see other great women but not Sita. So he became despondent.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Māruta (Wind-god)
• Sītā (implied)

FAQs

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

Dharma is tested under discouragement: the verse acknowledges despair without endorsing surrender, preparing for renewed resolve.

What is the narrative situation?

Repeated failure to find Sītā causes Hanumān to feel dejected despite encountering many other women.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sensitivity and seriousness—his sorrow shows he treats the mission as sacred, not casual.