Shloka 5.49.5

रावणदर्शनम् — Hanuman Beholds Ravana in Court

Devanagari script

विचित्रैर्दर्शनीयैश्च रक्ताक्षैर्भीमदर्शनैः।दीप्ततीक्ष्णमहादंष्ट्रैः प्रलम्बदशनच्छदैः।।5.49.5।।शिरोभिर्दशभिर्वीरं भ्राजमानं महौजसम्।नानाव्यालसमाकीर्णैश्शिखरैरिव मन्दरम्।।5.49.6।।

Transliteration

bāhubhir baddhakeyūraiś candanottamarūṣitaiḥ |

bhrājamānāṅgadaiḥ pīnaiḥ pañcaśīrṣair ivoragaiḥ ||5.49.8||

Translation

His arms, bound with armlets and anointed with finest sandalpaste, bore stout, shining ornaments—like five-hooded serpents coiled in gleaming strength.

Context

He appeared terrible with blood-red eyes, shining sharp big teeth, drooping lips and ten heads, which looked like ten peaks of mountain Mandara inhabited by various beasts. He was heroic, powerful and splendid.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

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

Adornment and strength can be used for protection or oppression; Dharma depends on how power is directed—toward safeguarding others, not terrifying them.

What is the narrative situation?

The description narrows to Rāvaṇa’s arms and ornaments, intensifying the image of dangerous power.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Fearlessness with restraint—Hanumān does not act impulsively despite perceiving menace.