Shloka 5.32.2

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

Devanagari script

सा ददर्श कपिं तत्र प्रश्रितं प्रियवादिनम्।फुल्लाशोकोत्कराभासं तप्तचामीकरेक्षणम्।।।।

Transliteration

sā taṁ dṛṣṭvā hariśreṣṭhaṁ vinītavad upasthitam |

maithilī cintayāmāsa svapno ’yam iti bhāminī ||

Translation

Seeing the foremost of the monkeys standing near in humility, the noble Maithilī pondered: “Is this a dream?”

Context

There (on the tree) she noticed a monkey like a cluster of fully blossomed Ashoka flower, shining bright, whose eyes were glowing like pure molten gold, speaking softly and pleasingly.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā (Maithilī)
• Hanumān (hariśreṣṭha)

FAQs

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

Dharma values discernment (viveka): Sītā does not accept appearances hastily; she tests reality amid fear and longing.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā regains some composure and questions whether the encounter with Hanumān is real or dreamlike.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s cautious intelligence—restraint before trust.