Shloka 5.48.55

इन्द्रजित्प्रेषणम्—ब्रह्मास्त्रबन्धः, हनूमद्ग्रहणं, रावणसभाप्रवेशः (Indrajit’s Deployment—Brahmāstra Binding, Hanuman’s Capture, Entry into Ravana’s Court)

Devanagari script

कोऽयं कस्य कुतोवात्र किं कार्यं को व्यपाश्रयः।इति राक्षसवीराणां तत्र सञ्जज्ञिरे कथाः।।।।

Transliteration

ko ’yaṃ kasya kuto vātra kiṃ kāryaṃ ko vyapāśrayaḥ |

iti rākṣasa-vīrāṇāṃ tatra sañjajñire kathāḥ ||

Translation

“Who is this? Whose is he? From where has he come here? What is his purpose, and on whom does he rely?”—such talk arose there among the rākṣasa heroes.

Context

"Who is he? Whose son is he? Why has he come here? Where has he come from? What business does he have here?" Thus the heroic demons talked among themselves.

Characters & Entities

• rākṣasa-vīras (rākṣasa heroes)
• Hanumān (implied as the subject of questions)

FAQs

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

The verse frames the approach to truth (satya) through inquiry: before judgment or punishment, one must know identity, intent, and allegiance—an implicit ethical demand for due understanding.

What is the narrative situation?

In Rāvaṇa’s assembly, rākṣasa leaders react to Hanumān’s arrival by questioning his origin, purpose, and support.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Discernment through questioning (vicāra): even adversaries feel compelled to investigate the messenger’s identity and mission.