Shloka 5.16.30

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

Devanagari script

हिमहतनलिनीव नष्टशोभा व्यसनपरम्परया निपीड्यमाना।सहचररहितेव चक्रवाकी जनकसुता कृपणां दशां प्रपन्ना।।5.16.30।।

Transliteration

imām asitakeśāntāṃ śatapatranibhekṣaṇām |

sukhārhāṃ duḥkhitāṃ dṛṣṭvā mamāpi vyathitaṃ manaḥ ||5.16.28||

Translation

Seeing her—dark-haired, lotus-eyed, worthy of happiness—now sunk in sorrow, even my own mind is pained.

Context

"Deprived of her charm, she resembles a lotus-creeper blasted by frost. This daughter of Janaka has reached a pitiable condition afflicted by series of calamities. She resembles a famale Chakravaka separated from her mate.

Characters & Entities

• Sita

FAQs

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

Compassion is a dharmic response to suffering: the righteous do not become numb to injustice; they allow empathy to move them toward right action.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanuman beholds Sītā directly in the Aśoka grove and is emotionally affected by her undeserved misery.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Hanuman’s karuṇā (compassion) and moral sensitivity.