Shloka 5.16.17

षोडशः सर्गः (Sarga 16): Hanumān’s Recognition of Sītā and Renewed Lament

Devanagari script

विक्रान्तस्यार्यशीलस्य संयुगेष्न्विवर्तिनः।स्नुषा दशरथस्यैषा ज्येष्ठा राज्ञो यशस्विनी।।5.16.17।।

Transliteration

sa muhūrtam iva dhyātvā bāṣpa-paryākulekṣaṇaḥ | sītām āśritya tejasvī hanūmān vilalāpa ha ||5.16.2||

Translation

Hanumān, radiant, paused as if for a moment in contemplation; his eyes, clouded with tears as he dwelt on Sītā, then broke forth in lamentation.

Context

"This celebrated lady is the eldest daughter-in-law of the noble, valiant king Dasaratha who never returned from the battle-ground without being victorious.

Characters & Entities

• Hanuman
• Sita

FAQs

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

Compassion aligned with duty: Hanuman’s tears are not weakness but moral sensitivity, showing that righteous service (dharma) includes empathetic awareness of another’s suffering.

What is the narrative situation?

In Lanka’s Aśoka grove, Hanuman has found Sita and, seeing her distress, briefly reflects and laments before deciding how to act.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Karunā (compassion) joined with tejas (moral strength and clarity), indicating a servant of dharma who feels deeply yet remains purposeful.