Shloka 5.32.1

Sundarakāṇḍa Sarga 32 — Sītā’s Perplexity and Recognition of Hanumān

Devanagari script

ततश्शाखान्तरे लीनं दृष्ट्वा चलितमानसा।वेष्टितार्जुनवस्त्रं तं विद्युत्सङ्घातपिङ्गलम्।।।।

Transliteration

tataḥ śākhāntare līnaṃ dṛṣṭvā calitamānasā | veṣṭitārjunavastraṃ taṃ vidyutsaṅghātapiṅgalam ||

Translation

Then, seeing him hidden between the branches—clad in white and tawny like a mass of lightning—Sītā’s mind grew unsettled and uncertain.

Context

Sita got perplexed on seeing him (Hanuman), who was tawny in complexion and looked like a cluster of lightnings, clad in white and hidden in between the branches.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Hanumān (implied)
• Aśoka-vana (implied)
• śākhā (branches)
• vidyut (lightning)

FAQs

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

Discernment (viveka) is part of dharma under danger: when threatened, careful perception and cautious judgment protect one from deception.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān remains concealed while observing; Sītā notices a strange figure and becomes mentally unsettled, unsure whether it is friend or foe.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s vigilance and prudence—alertness shaped by prolonged trauma and the risk of rākṣasa deception.