Ramayana — Sundara Kanda, Sarga 3, Shloka 21
लङ्काप्रवेशः
Hanuman Enters Lanka and Encounters Laṅkā-devatā
सा तं हरिवरं दृष्ट्वा लङ्का रावणपालिता।स्वयमेवोत्थिता तत्र विकृताननदर्शना।।।।
sā taṃ harivaraṃ dṛṣṭvā laṅkā rāvaṇapālitā | svayam evotthitā tatra vikṛtānanadarśanā ||
Seeing that best of Vānaras, Laṅkā—ruled by Rāvaṇa—rose there of her own accord, her face appearing fearsome and distorted.
Seeing the best of vanaras, the deity of the city of Lanka, ruled by Ravana rose up before him in a distorted form.
FAQs
The verse highlights the dharma of guardianship—defending one’s charge—while also hinting that association with adharma (Rāvaṇa’s rule) can manifest as a frightening, distorted power.
The guardian spirit of Laṅkā rises to intercept Hanumān after noticing his entry.
Readiness to uphold one’s appointed role (svadharma), even when the larger regime is morally compromised.