Shloka 5.32.3

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

Devanagari script

मैथिली चिन्तयामास विस्मयं परमं गता।अहो भीममिदं रूपं वानरस्य दुरासदम्।।।।दुर्निरीक्षमिति ज्ञात्वा पुनरेव मुमोह सा।

Transliteration

sā vīkṣamāṇā pṛthubhugnavaktraṁ śākhāmṛgendrasya yathoktākāram |

dadarśa piṅgādhipateḥ amātyaṁ vātātmajaṁ buddhimatāṁ variṣṭham ||

Translation

As she looked about, she beheld the son of the Wind-god—broad of frame, with a curved face—an obedient servant and minister of the tawny monkey-lord, foremost among the wise.

Context

Astonisted Mythili began thinking. 'Oh! this vanara's appearance is frightening. He is terrible to look at. He is inaccessible'. Thinking over this again and again, she fainted.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Hanumān (Vātātmaja)
• Vāyu (Wind-god)
• Piṅgādhipati (monkey-lord/king; commonly Sugrīva as overlord in context)

FAQs

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

Dharma in service: Hanumān is portrayed as yathoktākāra—one who faithfully carries out rightful commands—showing disciplined loyalty aligned with a just mission.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā observes and identifies the newcomer’s stature and credentials: a wise minister-servant, not a random intruder.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Hanumān’s बुद्धि (wisdom) and responsible service.