Shloka 5.41.9

प्रमदावनविध्वंसः | The Devastation of the Pleasure-Garden (Ashoka Vatika)

Devanagari script

ततस्समासाद्य रणे दशाननं समन्त्रिवर्गं सबलप्रयायिनम्।हृदि स्थितं तस्य मतं बलं च वै सुखेन मत्त्वाऽहमितः पुनर्व्रजे।।।।

Transliteration

tatas samāsādya raṇe daśānanaṃ samantrivargaṃ sabalaprayāyinam |

hṛdi sthitaṃ tasya mataṃ balaṃ ca vai sukhena matvā 'ham itaḥ punar vraje ||

Translation

Therefore, having encountered Daśānana in battle—along with his ministers and those who advance with his forces—and having easily ascertained his settled intention and strength, I shall return from here in safety.

Context

'I can return happily only after I gauge the ten-headed Ravana's army in war, his strength, his companions including the ministers and his mind.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Daśānana (Rāvaṇa)
• Rāvaṇa’s ministers
• Rāvaṇa’s forces/army leaders

FAQs

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

Dharma is responsible action informed by truth: before a righteous war, one must understand the enemy’s strength and intent, so that violence is neither reckless nor ignorant.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān plans to confront and evaluate Rāvaṇa’s leadership and forces, then return with reliable intelligence to aid Rāma’s campaign.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Strategic clarity: Hanumān keeps the end—service to Rāma—central, using confrontation as disciplined reconnaissance.