Shloka 5.2.31

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

Devanagari script

यावज्जानामि वैदेहीं यदि जीवति वा न वा।तत्रैव चिन्तयिष्यामि दृष्ट्वा तां जनकात्मजाम्।।।।

Transliteration

yāvaj jānāmi vaidehīṃ yadi jīvati vā na vā | tatraiva cintayiṣyāmi dṛṣṭvā tāṃ janakātmajām ||

Translation

Until I know whether Vaidehī lives or not, I will decide my course only after seeing Janaka’s daughter there with my own eyes.

Context

'Whether Janaka's daughter, Vaidehi is alive or not is not known. After seeing her I shall think over'.

Characters & Entities

• Sita (Vaidehi, Janakātmajā)
• Janaka

FAQs

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

Satya-based action: decisions should rest on verified truth, not assumptions—especially when the stakes involve protecting the innocent.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanuman prioritizes confirming Sita’s condition before choosing further action inside Lanka.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence and fidelity to truth—he refuses to act on uncertainty and centers the mission on Sita’s welfare.