Shloka 5.37.56

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

Devanagari script

अथवाऽदाय रक्षांसि न्यसेयुस्सम्वृते हि माम्।यत्र ते नाभिजानीयुर्हरयो नापि राघवौ।।।।

Transliteration

athavā ādāya rakṣāṃsi nyaseyuḥ saṃvṛte hi mām | yatra te nābhijānīyuḥ harayo nāpi rāghavau ||

Translation

Or else the rākṣasas might seize me and hide me away in some concealed place—one that neither you Vānaras nor even the two Rāghavas could discover.

Context

"Or else, the ogres will carry me and conceal me in a secret place which the vanaras or Rama and Lakshmana may not know.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• rākṣasas
• Vānaras
• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa

FAQs

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

Dharma here emphasizes prudent action and timely protection of the vulnerable; Sītā foresees a greater harm (being hidden) and urges responsible, foresighted rescue planning.

What is the narrative situation?

In Laṅkā, Sītā speaks to Hanumān, warning that delay could lead the rākṣasas to relocate and conceal her, making recovery far harder even for Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s clarity and discernment—she assesses risk realistically and prioritizes the most dharmic, effective course of action.