Shloka 5.37.28

हनूमत्सीतासंवादः — Hanuman’s Offer of Rescue and Sita’s Dharmic Refusal

Devanagari script

मैथिली तु हरिश्रेष्ठाच्छ्रुत्वा वचनमद्भुतम्।हर्षविस्मितसर्वाङ्गी हनुमन्तमथाब्रवीत्।।।।

Transliteration

maithilī tu hariśreṣṭhāc chrutvā vacanam adbhutam |

harṣavismitasarvāṅgī hanumantam athābravīt ||

Translation

But Maithilī, hearing the wondrous words of that best of Vānara heroes, felt joy and astonishment thrill through her whole body; then she spoke to Hanumān.

Context

When Mythili heard the wonderful proposal from Hanuman, the best of vanaras, she experienced immense joy in every limb of her body and said:

Characters & Entities

• Sītā (Maithilī)
• Hanumān
• Hariśreṣṭha (best of vanaras)

FAQs

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

Dharma is strengthened by hope grounded in truthful possibility: Sītā’s joy arises because rescue is not mere fantasy but supported by Hanumān’s proven ability and righteous intent.

What is the narrative situation?

After Hanumān’s persuasive assurances, the narration describes Sītā’s bodily reaction—joy mixed with amazement—before she replies.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s resilience: even amid captivity, she can respond to righteous aid with renewed hope, preparing to speak thoughtfully rather than impulsively.