Shloka 5.2.14

लङ्कादर्शनं तथा रात्रौ सूक्ष्मरूपेण प्रवेशोपायचिन्तनम् (Vision of Lanka and Strategy for Nocturnal Entry)

Devanagari script

समासाद्य च लक्ष्मीवान् लङ्कां रावणपालिताम्।परिखाभिः सपद्माभिः सोत्पलाभिरलङ्कृताम्।।।।सीतापहरणार्थेन रावणेन सुरक्षिताम्।समन्ताद्विचरद्भिश्च राक्षसैरुग्रधन्विभिः।।।।काञ्चनेनावृतां रम्यां प्राकारेण महापुरीम्।गृहैश्च ग्रहसंकाशैः शारदाम्बुदसन्निभैः।।।।पाण्डुराभिः प्रतोलीभिरुच्चाभिरभिसंवृताम्।अट्टालकशताकीर्णां पताकाध्वजमालिनीम्।।।।तोरणैः काञ्चनैर्दिव्यैर्लतापङ्त्किविचित्रितैः।ददर्श हनुमान् लङ्कां दिवि देवपुरीं यथा।।।।

Transliteration

samāsādya ca lakṣmīvān laṅkāṃ rāvaṇapālitām |

parikhābhiḥ sapadmābhiḥ sotpalābhir alaṅkṛtām ||

Translation

And that fortunate one, having reached Laṅkā ruled by Rāvaṇa, saw it adorned with moats filled with lotuses and blue lotuses.

Context

Fortunate Hanuman having reached Lanka ruled by Ravana found it surrounded by moats full of blue lotuses, guarded by demons with frightening bows, in view of Sita abducted and kept there. It was protected by boundary walls inlaid with gold; that great and beautiful city with buildings resembling the assembly of planets and white-washed, elevated houses looking like autumnal clouds and well laid out streets decorated with garlands of banners and flag posts, rows of colourful creepers and festoons. The city of Lanka appeared like Amaravati, the city of gods.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Laṅkā
• Rāvaṇa
• parikhā (moats)
• padma
• utpala

FAQs

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

The verse sets up a dharmic contrast: a city can be splendidly protected and ornamented, yet still stand under adharma when its ruler violates truth and justice.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān arrives at Laṅkā and begins describing its defenses and beauty, starting with lotus-filled moats.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Courage with clarity: Hanumān enters enemy territory and assesses it without fear-clouded judgment.