Shloka 5.18.1

अष्टादशः सर्गः (Sarga 18): रावणस्य प्रमदावनप्रवेशः — Ravana’s entry into the women’s grove

Devanagari script

तथा विप्रेक्ष्यमाणस्य वनं पुष्पितपादपम्।विचिन्वतश्च वैदेहीं किंचिच्छेषा निशाऽभवत्।।5.18.1।।

Transliteration

tathā viprekṣyamāṇasya vanaṃ puṣpitapādapam |

vicinvataś ca vaidehīṃ kiṃciccheṣā niśā ’bhavat ||

Translation

As he kept scanning the grove with its flowering trees, and continued searching for Vaidehī, only a small part of the night remained.

Context

The night came to a close while Hanuman went searching and looking for Sita at Ashoka grove full of flowering trees.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Vaidehī (Sītā)
• Aśokavanikā (flowering grove)

FAQs

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

Dharma is diligent effort: Hanumān uses limited time responsibly, persisting in a righteous search rather than yielding to fatigue.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān continues his careful search in the flowering grove; the night is nearly over, increasing urgency.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Perseverance—steady work under time pressure, guided by duty to Rāma and compassion for Sītā.