Shloka 5.2.27

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

Devanagari script

आगत्यापीह हरयो भविष्यन्ति निरर्थकाः।न हि युद्धेन वै लङ्का शक्या जेतुं सुरैरपि।।।।

Transliteration

āgatyāpīha harayo bhaviṣyanti nirarthakāḥ | na hi yuddhena vai laṅkā śakyā jetuṃ surair api ||

Translation

Even if the monkeys were to come here, they would be of no avail; for by war Laṅkā cannot be conquered—not even by the gods.

Context

'It is not possible for monkeys to come here and even if they do, it is no use. Lanka is invincible even to the gods in war.

Characters & Entities

• Lanka
• harayaḥ (monkeys)
• surāḥ (gods)

FAQs

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

Discernment in righteous action: dharmic aims require appropriate means, not mere force; one must evaluate what is truly effective before acting.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanuman, having reached Lanka, weighs the practical difficulty of conquering it directly by war and considers the limits of brute strength.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Viveka (clear judgment) and strategic restraint—Hanuman does not rush into violence but assesses reality to serve Rama’s purpose.