Shloka 5.18.20

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

Devanagari script

ततः काञ्चीनिनादं च नूपुराणां च निस्वनम्।शुश्राव परमस्त्रीणां स कपिर्मारुतात्मजः।।5.18.20।।

Transliteration

tataḥ kāñcī-ninādaṁ ca nūpurāṇāṁ ca nisvanam |

śuśrāva parama-strīṇāṁ sa kapir mārutātmajaḥ ||5.18.20||

Translation

Then that monkey, the Wind-god’s son, heard the jingling of golden girdles and the ringing of anklets worn by those foremost women.

Context

Then Hanuman, son of the Wind-god, heard their jingling golden girdles and anklets.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Wind-god (Māruta/Vāyu)
• golden girdles (kāñcī)
• anklets (nūpura)

FAQs

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

Dharma in action here is disciplined attention: Hanumān’s careful perception supports a truthful assessment of circumstances, essential for right action.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān, hidden and watchful, hears the approach/movement signaled by the ornaments of the chief women accompanying Rāvaṇa.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Alertness and mission-focus (apramāda): he gathers information without being distracted by sensory allure.