Shloka 5.31.9

सुन्‍दरकाण्डे एकत्रिंशः सर्गः — Hanuman’s Sweet Address to Sita and Sita’s Recognition

Devanagari script

तेन तत्र महारण्ये मृगयां परिधावता।राक्षसा निहताश्शूरा बहवः कामरूपिणः।।।।

Transliteration

tena tatra mahāraṇye mṛgayāṃ paridhāvatā | rākṣasā nihatāḥ śūrā bahavaḥ kāmarūpiṇaḥ ||

Translation

There, in that great wilderness, as he ranged about in the hunt, many warrior Rākṣasas—shapeshifters at will—were slain by him.

Context

"In the deep forest he went round hunting animals and killing the demon warriors who assumed any form at their free will.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• mahāraṇya (great forest)
• rākṣasa
• kāmarūpin (shapeshifter)

FAQs

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

Kṣātra-dharma includes removing violent threats that destabilize the moral order; force is justified as protection against predatory harm.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā recalls Rāma’s forest life where he confronted and destroyed dangerous Rākṣasas who roamed the wilderness in deceptive forms.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Protective valor—courage used to secure safety in places where deception and violence prevail.