Shloka 5.16.9

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

Devanagari script

चतुर्दश सहस्राणि रक्षसां भीमकर्मणाम्।निहतानि जनस्थाने शरैरग्निशिखोपमैः।।5.16.9।।

Transliteration

caturdaśa sahasrāṇi rakṣasāṃ bhīmakarmaṇām |

nihatāni janasthāne śarair agniśikhopamaiḥ ||5.16.9||

Translation

At Janasthāna, fourteen thousand rākṣasas of dreadful deeds were slain by arrows like tongues of fire.

Characters & Entities

• Janasthāna
• Rākṣasas
• Rāma (implied agent in context)

FAQs

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

Dharma is the decisive curbing of adharma: violent aggressors who terrorize others are removed, restoring safety and moral balance.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān cites the scale of Rāma’s earlier victories to reassure Sītā that rescue from Laṅkā is within Rāma’s power.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s righteous might and effectiveness: his power is portrayed as purifying and unstoppable, like fire.