Shloka 5.16.1
षोडशः सर्गः (Sarga 16): Hanumān’s Recognition of Sītā and Renewed Lament
प्रशस्य तु प्रशस्तव्यां सीतां तां हरिपुङ्गवः।गुणाभिरामं रामं च पुनश्चिन्तापरोऽभवत्।।5.16.1।।
praśasya tu praśastavyāṃ sītāṃ tāṃ haripuṅgavaḥ |
guṇābhirāmaṃ rāmaṃ ca punaś cintāparo 'bhavat ||5.16.1||
Having praised Sītā, so worthy of praise, the foremost of the Vānaras again became absorbed in anxious reflection, remembering also Rāma, delightful through his virtues.
Hanuman, the bull among monkeys, admired the laudable Sita and the virtuous Rama and once again began to lament.
Dharma here is loyalty to righteous duty: Hanumān’s mind turns from admiration to responsible concern—his mission is not aesthetic enjoyment but the protection and restoration of dharma through Sītā’s rescue and truthful reporting to Rāma.
After beholding Sītā, Hanumān mentally praises her and remembers Rāma’s virtues, then re-enters a state of concern about how to proceed.
Devoted responsibility—Hanumān’s bhakti is active and thoughtful, not merely emotional.