Shloka 5.32.13

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

Devanagari script

मनोरथस्स्यादिति चिन्तयामि तथापि बुद्ध्या च वितर्कयामि।किं कारणं तस्य हि नास्ति रूपं सुव्यक्तरूपश्च वदत्ययं माम्।।।।

Transliteration

maithilī cintayāmāsa vismayaṁ paramaṁ gatā |

aho bhīmam idaṁ rūpaṁ vānarasya durāsadam ||

durnirīkṣam iti jñātvā punar eva mumoha sā |

Translation

Maithilī, overcome with great astonishment, began to ponder: “Alas—this form of the vanara is terrifying, hard to approach, and difficult to look upon.” Thinking so, she fainted once again.

Context

"I feel it is only the desire in my mind. Desire has no form. But the one who is addressing me has a form. I cannot understand this.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā (Maithilī)
• Vanara (Hanumān)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes psychological realism: trauma and fear can cloud judgment; compassion is required when approaching the afflicted, even if one’s mission is righteous.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā, weakened by captivity and fear, misreads Hanumān’s imposing appearance and loses consciousness again.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s vulnerability and sincerity—her reactions are not deceitful but shaped by suffering.