Shloka 5.5.10

चन्द्रप्रकाशे लङ्कानिरीक्षणम् — Moonlit Survey of Lanka and the Unfound Sita

Devanagari script

मत्तप्रमत्तानि समाकुलानि रथाश्वभद्रासनसङ्कुलानि।वीरश्रिया चापि समाकुलानि ददर्श धीमान् स कपिः कुलानि।।5.5.10।।

Transliteration

mattapramattāni samākulāni rathāśvabhadrāsanasaṅkulāni |vīraśriyā cāpi samākulāni dadarśa dhīmān sa kapiḥ kulāni ||5.5.10||

Translation

The wise monkey Hanumān saw mansions crowded with chariots and horses with fine seats, and also thronged with warriors’ splendor—yet filled too with rākṣasas drunken and stupefied.

Context

Intelligent Hanuman, the great warrior, observed there in the prosperous mansions, demons proud of their wealth, highly intoxicated and dull, their houses full of horse-drawn chariots with comfortable seats.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Laṅkā
• Rākṣasas (demons)

FAQs

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

It contrasts outer prosperity with inner disorder: dharma values self-control and clarity, while intoxication and negligence indicate adharma despite wealth and power.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān, moving through Laṅkā at night, observes the rākṣasa residences—richly equipped yet morally and mentally lax.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Discernment (viveka): Hanumān can evaluate appearances versus reality, an essential virtue for righteous action.