Shloka 5.16.23
षोडशः सर्गः (Sarga 16): Hanumān’s Recognition of Sītā and Renewed Lament
अस्या नूनं पुनर्लाभाद्राघवः प्रीतिमेष्यति।राजा राज्यपरिभ्रष्टः पुनः प्राप्येव मेदिनीम्।।5.16.23।।
asyā nūnaṃ punar-lābhād rāghavaḥ prītim eṣyati | rājā rājya-paribhraṣṭaḥ punaḥ prāpyeva medinīm ||5.16.23||
Surely, by finding her again, Rāghava will regain joy—like a king who, having fallen from his kingdom, feels restored upon recovering the land.
"Just as a king who had lost his kingdom feels happy on regaining it, surely Raghava will feel exhilarated when he gets her back.
Dharma as restoration: happiness is linked to the re-establishment of rightful order—Sita’s recovery is like reclaiming a lost kingdom, repairing a moral rupture.
Hanuman anticipates the emotional and ethical relief Rama will feel once Sita is found and reunited.
Perseverance in righteous purpose—Rama’s joy is portrayed as the fruit of steadfast dharmic striving.