Shloka 5.2.42

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

Devanagari script

मयि दृष्टे तु रक्षोभी रामस्य विदितात्मनः।भवेद्व्यर्थमिदं कार्यं रावणानर्थमिच्छतः।।।।

Transliteration

mayi dṛṣṭe tu rakṣobhiḥ rāmasya viditātmanaḥ | bhaved vyartham idaṃ kāryaṃ rāvaṇānartham icchataḥ ||

Translation

But if the rākṣasas were to see me, this undertaking of Rāma—self-knowing and intent on Rāvaṇa’s downfall—would become fruitless.

Context

'If I am seen by the demons, the plan of Rama, possessor of self-knowledge, to kill Ravana, will be wasted.

Characters & Entities

• Hanuman
• Rakshasas (demons)
• Rama
• Ravana

FAQs

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

Dharma is protecting the righteous objective: personal risk is acceptable, but risking the mission (and Sītā’s safety) through exposure is unethical and imprudent.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān recognizes that being detected could alert Laṅkā, endanger Sītā, and compromise Rāma’s larger plan against Rāvaṇa.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Loyalty and foresight: he thinks beyond himself to the strategic needs of Rāma’s cause.