Shloka 5.38.41

अभिज्ञानप्रदानम् — The Token of Recognition (Chūḍāmaṇi) and the Crow Episode Recalled

Devanagari script

आनृशंस्यं परो धर्मस्तवत्त्त ऐव मया श्रुतः।जानामि त्वां महावीर्यं महोत्साहं महाबलम्।।5.38.41।।अपारपारमक्षोभ्यं गाम्भीर्यात्सागरोपमम्।भर्तारं ससमुद्राया धरण्या वासवोपमम्।।5.38.42।।

Transliteration

ānṛśaṃsyaṃ paro dharmas tvatta eva mayā śrutaḥ | jānāmi tvāṃ mahāvīryaṃ mahotsāhaṃ mahābalam ||5.38.41||

Translation

From you alone I have heard that compassion (ānṛśaṃsya) is the highest dharma. I know you to be of great valor, great energy, and great strength.

Context

'O my supreme lord! I know you are kind, righteous, valiant, vigroous, mighty. You are boundless, calm and deep like the ocean. You are lord of earth and the seas and compeer of Vasava. I have heard from you that motiveless compassion is the best way to make one righteous.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Hanumān
• Rāma

FAQs

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

The verse elevates ānṛśaṃsya—compassion and non-cruelty—as the supreme dharma, presenting kindness as the highest standard of righteous conduct.

What is the narrative situation?

In Aśoka-vana, Sītā speaks to Hanumān after hearing of Rāma; she praises Rāma’s virtues while also wrestling with the pain of delay in rescue.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s compassion joined with heroic power—valor and strength governed by moral restraint.