Shloka 5.37.30

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

Devanagari script

कथं वाल्पशरीरस्त्वं मामितो नेतुमिच्छसि।सकाशं मानवेन्द्रस्य भर्तुर्मे प्लवगर्षभ।।।।

Transliteration

kathaṃ vā alpaśarīras tvaṃ mām ito netum icchasi | sakāśaṃ mānavendrasya bhartur me plavagarṣabha ||

Translation

“How can you, with so small a body, intend to take me from here into the presence of my husband, the lord among men, O bull among monkeys?”

Context

"O bull among monkeys! you have such a small body. How can you intend to carry me from here to my husband, the lord of men"?

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Hanumān
• Rāma (mānavendra, implied)

FAQs

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

Responsible action must match capability: dharma requires assessing means and feasibility, not merely intention, especially when another’s safety and honor are involved.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā challenges Hanumān’s plan by pointing to his apparent size, questioning how he could physically transport her to Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Practical wisdom and restraint: Sītā refuses to be swayed by emotion, insisting on realistic and righteous planning.