Shloka 5.12.4

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

Devanagari script

विरूपरूपा विकृता विवर्चसोमहानना दीर्घविरूपदर्शनाः।समीक्ष्य सा राक्षसराजयोषितोभयाद्विनष्टा जनकेश्वरात्मजा।।।।

Transliteration

virūparūpā vikṛtā vivarcaso mahānanā dīrghavirūpadarśanāḥ |

samīkṣya sā rākṣasarājayoṣito bhayād vinaṣṭā janakeśvarātmajā ||

Translation

Seeing the demon-king’s women—misshapen, grotesque, dull-complexioned, huge-faced, and tall in their deformity—Janaka’s daughter (Sītā) might have collapsed in fear.

Context

'The daughter of Janaka might have collapsed out of fear, looking at the distorted faces of ugly, tall and monstrous demon maids of Ravana.

Characters & Entities

• Sita
• Janaka
• Ravana
• Rakshasa women (Ravana’s women)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is expressed as empathy and moral sensitivity: Hanuman interprets the scene through concern for Sītā’s suffering rather than mere observation, keeping the search anchored in compassion and righteous purpose.

What is the narrative situation?

While searching Rāvaṇa’s inner quarters, Hanuman sees the terrifying appearance of the rākṣasa women and worries that Sītā may have collapsed from fear.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Hanuman’s karuṇā (compassion) and vigilance—he continuously evaluates Sītā’s condition and the dangers around her.