Shloka 5.2.24
लङ्कादर्शनं तथा रात्रौ सूक्ष्मरूपेण प्रवेशोपायचिन्तनम् (Vision of Lanka and Strategy for Nocturnal Entry)
कैलासशिखरप्रख्यामालिखन्तीमिवाम्बरम्।डीयमानामिवाकाशमुच्छ्रितैर्भवनोत्तमैः।।5.2.23।।सम्पूर्णां राक्षसैर्घोरैर्नागैर्भोगवतीमिव।अचिन्त्यां सुकृतां स्पष्टां कुबेराध्युषितां पुरा।।5.2.24।।दंष्ट्रिभिर्बहुभिः शूरैः शूलपट्टसपाणिभिः।रक्षितां राक्षसैर्घोरैर्गुहामाशीविषैरिव।।5.2.25।।तस्याश्च महतीं गुप्तिं सागरं च निरीक्ष्य सः।रावणं च रिपुं घोरं चिन्तयामास वानरः।।5.2.26।।
vapraprākārajaghanāṃ vipulāmbunavāmbarām | śataghnīśūlakeśāntām aṭṭālakavataṃsakām ||
manasā eva kṛtāṃ laṅkāṃ nirmitāṃ viśvakarmaṇā | dvāram uttaram āsādya cintayāmāsa vānaraḥ ||
Reaching the northern gate, the vānara reflected that Viśvakarman had fashioned Laṅkā as though she were a woman: her hips and loins were the ramparts and walls, her garment the broad water-filled moats, her hair the lines of weapons—śataghnīs and tridents—and her earrings the tall towers.
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 wellbuilt. 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:
Dharma includes wise strategy: Hanumān pauses at the gate to think, showing that righteous aims are pursued with reflection and careful planning.
Hanumān arrives at Laṅkā’s northern entrance and assesses the city through a striking metaphor of feminine personification.
Intelligence and creativity: Hanumān interprets the city’s defenses through layered imagery while preparing his next move.