Shloka 5.37.29
हनूमत्सीतासंवादः — Hanuman’s Offer of Rescue and Sita’s Dharmic Refusal
हनुमन्दूरमध्वानं कथं मां वोढुमिच्छसि।तदेव खलु ते मन्ये कपित्वं हरियूथप।।।।
hanuman dūram adhvānaṃ kathaṃ māṃ voḍhum icchasi | tad eva khalu te manye kapitvaṃ hariyūthapa ||
“Hanumān, how do you intend to carry me over so long a journey? I suppose this is indeed your impulsive monkey-nature, O leader of the vanara-host.”
"Hanuman! how do you intend to carry me to such a distant place? Indeed, it is your monkey nature, I suppose.
Caution and discernment (viveka) in crisis: Sītā tests proposals carefully, guarding chastity and propriety (maryādā) rather than accepting a risky plan impulsively.
In Laṅkā’s Aśoka grove, Hanumān suggests carrying Sītā away; Sītā questions the feasibility and propriety of such a long transport.
Sītā’s prudence and steadfast adherence to maryādā—she prioritizes righteous means and safety over expedient escape.