Shloka 5.34.18

सीताहनूमद्भाषणम् — Sita Tests the Messenger; Hanuman Offers Reassurance

Devanagari script

यदि रामस्य दूतस्त्वमागतो भद्रमस्तु ते।।।।पृच्छामि त्वां हरिश्रेष्ठ प्रिया रामकथा हि मे।

Transliteration

yadi rāmasya dūtas tvam āgato bhadram astu te | pṛcchāmi tvāṃ hariśreṣṭha priyā rāmakathā hi me ||

Translation

If you have come as Rāma’s messenger, blessings be upon you. O best of vanaras, I ask you—for dear to me indeed is the tale of Rāma.

Context

"O great vanara, If on the other hand you have come here as Rama's messenger I wish you well. I love Rama's story. Tell me.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Hanumān
• Rāma

FAQs

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

Dharma is expressed as satya-parīkṣā (testing the truth) combined with auspicious speech: if he truly serves Rāma, she offers blessings and seeks truthful information.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā shifts from suspicion to conditional acceptance: she proposes a test—if he is truly Rāma’s envoy—then she invites him to speak about Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s devotion (bhakti) and hope anchored in discernment: love for Rāma’s katha coexists with careful verification.