Shloka 5.48.9

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

Devanagari script

इदं हि दृष्ट्वा मतिमन्महद्बलं कपेः प्रभावं च पराक्रमं च।त्वमात्मनश्चापि समीक्ष्य सारं कुरुष्व वेगं स्वबलानुरूपम्।।।।

Transliteration

idaṃ hi dṛṣṭvā matiman mahad-balaṃ kapeḥ prabhāvaṃ ca parākramaṃ ca | tvam ātmanaś cāpi samīkṣya sāraṃ kuruṣva vegaṃ svabalānurūpam ||

Translation

O wise one, having seen this monkey’s great strength, his power and valor, assess your own true capacity as well, and then apply your speed and force in a way that matches your strength.

Context

"O intelligent warrior! measure the strength, power and valour of the monkey and your own strength carefully. Exercise your own strength and speed accordingly.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān (kapi)
• Indrajit/Meghanāda (probable addressee; not named)

FAQs

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

Prudence (nīti) as a limb of dharma: one should measure the opponent and oneself truthfully before acting; right action requires realistic self-assessment, not rashness.

What is the narrative situation?

After witnessing Hanumān’s feats, advice is given to respond with a strategy proportionate to one’s actual capability.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Discernment and strategic restraint—strength guided by intelligence rather than impulsive pride.