Shloka 5.18.21

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

Devanagari script

तं चाप्रतिमकर्माणमचिन्त्यबलपौरुषम्।द्वारदेशमनुप्राप्तं ददर्श हनुमान् कपिः।।5.18.21।।

Transliteration

taṁ cāpratima-karmāṇam acintya-bala-pauruṣam |

dvāra-deśam anuprāptaṁ dadarśa hanumān kapiḥ ||5.18.21||

Translation

And Hanumān, the monkey, saw him—of incomparable deeds and unimaginable strength and valor—arrived at the gateway area.

Context

Then Hanuman, the Vanara saw Ravana of extraordinary deeds, and of unimaginable strength and valour at the entrance (of Ashoka garden)

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Rāvaṇa
• gateway/entrance (dvāra-deśa)

FAQs

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

It frames the adversary realistically: dharma is not naïve; truthful appraisal of an opponent’s capabilities is necessary for righteous strategy and protection of the vulnerable.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān visually confirms Rāvaṇa’s arrival at the entrance area, continuing his reconnaissance connected to the search for Sītā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Courage with discernment: Hanumān remains steady even while witnessing the formidable presence of the enemy king.