Shloka 5.46.1

षट्चत्वारिंशः सर्गः — Ravana Deploys Five Generals; Hanuman Destroys the Commanders and the Remaining Host

Devanagari script

हतान्मन्त्रिसुतान् बुद्ध्वा वानरेण महात्मना।रावणस्संवृताकारश्चकार मतिमुत्तमाम्।।।।

Transliteration

hatān mantrisutān buddhvā vānarena mahātmanā |

rāvaṇaḥ saṃvṛtākāraś cakāra matim uttamām ||

Translation

Learning that the ministers’ sons had been slain by the great-souled monkey, Rāvaṇa—masking his inner agitation—devised an excellent plan.

Context

Coming to know that the seven sons of the ministers were slain by the great vanara, Ravana, who had concealed his feelings of agony thought of a good plan.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Hanumān

FAQs

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

Strategic self-control: governance and conflict demand restraint and clear counsel; emotion must not override prudent decision-making.

What is the narrative situation?

After Hanumān kills prominent rākṣasa youths (ministers’ sons), Rāvaṇa suppresses visible distress and turns to strategy.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Composure and calculation (even if used for adharma): the verse highlights controlled outward demeanor and deliberate planning.