Shloka 5.5.12

चन्द्रप्रकाशे लङ्कानिरीक्षणम् — Moonlit Survey of Lanka and the Unfound Sita

Devanagari script

रक्षांसि वक्षांसि च विक्षिपन्ति गात्राणि कान्तासु च विक्षिपन्ति।रूपाणि चित्राणि च विक्षिपन्ति दृढानि चापानि च विक्षिपन्ति।।5.5.12।।

Transliteration

rakṣāṁsi vakṣāṁsi ca vikṣipanti gātrāṇi kāntāsu ca vikṣipanti |rūpāṇi citrāṇi ca vikṣipanti dṛḍhāni cāpāni ca vikṣipanti ||5.5.12||

Translation

The rākṣasas thrust out their chests in display, flung their limbs upon their beloved women, assumed strange and wondrous forms, and again and again bent their strong bows.

Context

The demons were seen expanding their chests sportively and caressing their wives by placing their limbs on them. They were assuming wonderful forms, and drawing their bows up to their ears.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Rākṣasas
• Rākṣasīs (women of Laṅkā)

FAQs

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

It implies the danger of ungoverned desire and power: dharma (maryādā) asks for restraint in sensuality and weapon-use; here both are displayed without inner discipline.

What is the narrative situation?

During his search, Hanumān sees the rākṣasas’ nocturnal indulgence—boastful display, intimacy, and readiness with weapons.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Hanumān’s mission-oriented focus: he remains a detached observer, not distracted by spectacle.