Shloka 5.32.6

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

Devanagari script

सा तं दृष्ट्वा हरिश्रेष्ठं विनीतवदुपस्थितम्।मैथिली चिन्तयामास स्वप्नोऽयमिति भामिनी।।।।

Transliteration

manorathaḥ syād iti cintayāmi tathāpi buddhyā ca vitarkayāmi |

kiṁ kāraṇaṁ tasya hi nāsti rūpaṁ suvyaktarūpaś ca vadaty ayaṁ mām ||

Translation

I think, “Perhaps this is only a longing of the mind.” Yet I reason with my understanding: what is the cause? For that longing has no form—whereas this one, clearly embodied, is speaking to me.

Context

Noble Sita, seeing the best of vanaras who stood near humbly, began reflecting 'Is this a dream'?

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Hanumān (implied as “this one speaking”)

FAQs

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

Dharma as viveka (discernment): Sītā distinguishes subjective desire from objective reality, prioritizing सत्य (truth) through rational inquiry.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā debates whether her experience is imagination or a real messenger standing before her.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s clear reasoning even while emotionally overwhelmed.