Shloka 5.30.17

हनुमता सीतासंवादोपायचिन्ता — Hanuman’s Deliberation on How to Address Sita

Devanagari script

अहं त्वतितनुश्चैव वानरश्च विशेषतः।वाचं चोदाहरिष्यामि मानुषीमिह संस्कृताम्।।।।

Transliteration

antaraṃ tv aham āsādya rākṣasīnām iha sthitaḥ | śanair āśvāsayiṣyāmi santāpabahalām imām ||

Translation

Remaining here, once I find an opening among these Rākṣasīs, I shall gently console this woman overwhelmed by sorrow.

Context

"I am indeed of small size and that too a monkey. Nevertheless I shall speak in Sanskrit, a language of the common people. (as the she-demons cannot understand that language).

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rākṣasīs (demonesses of Laṅkā)

FAQs

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

Dharma as compassionate right-speech: comfort must be offered at the right time and in the right manner, minimizing risk to the vulnerable.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān decides to wait for a safe moment—an ‘opening’ when the guards are inattentive—before speaking to Sītā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Gentleness and patience—he prioritizes Sītā’s emotional safety and the practical safety of the mission.