Shloka 5.2.23

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

Devanagari script

कैलासशिखरप्रख्यामालिखन्तीमिवाम्बरम्।डीयमानामिवाकाशमुच्छ्रितैर्भवनोत्तमैः।।।।सम्पूर्णां राक्षसैर्घोरैर्नागैर्भोगवतीमिव।अचिन्त्यां सुकृतां स्पष्टां कुबेराध्युषितां पुरा।।।।दंष्ट्रिभिर्बहुभिः शूरैः शूलपट्टसपाणिभिः।रक्षितां राक्षसैर्घोरैर्गुहामाशीविषैरिव।।।।तस्याश्च महतीं गुप्तिं सागरं च निरीक्ष्य सः।रावणं च रिपुं घोरं चिन्तयामास वानरः।।।।

Transliteration

pālitāṃ rākṣasendreṇa nirmitāṃ viśvakarmaṇā | plavamānam ivākāśe dadarśa hanumān purīm ||

Translation

Hanumān saw that city—ruled by the lord of the rākṣasas and built by Viśvakarman—appearing as though it floated in the sky.

Context

Observing Lanka that resembled mount Kailas, with sky scrapers appearing as if flying, filled with dreadful demons and nagas protecting the city of Bhogavati (the city of Patala), unimaginably well-built. It was once occupied by Kubera (half brother of Ravana). It was guarded by horrible demons holding tridents and spears in their hands. The city appeared like a cavern protected by venomous serpents with protruding fangs. Hanuman examined the high security of Lanka and looked at the ocean. He thought of the form of Ravana, a formidable enemy:

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Laṅkā
• Rāvaṇa (rākṣasendra)
• Viśvakarman

FAQs

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

Great skill and construction can serve either Dharma or Adharma; moral worth depends on the ruler’s conduct, not on the brilliance of what is built.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān recognizes Laṅkā’s extraordinary engineering and its ruler, framing the city as formidable and almost unreal.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Composure: even when confronted with overwhelming power and splendor, Hanumān remains steady.