Shloka 5.5.19

चन्द्रप्रकाशे लङ्कानिरीक्षणम् — Moonlit Survey of Lanka and the Unfound Sita

Devanagari script

अन्याः पुनर्हर्म्यतलोपविष्टा स्तत्र प्रियाङ्केषु सुखोपविष्टाः।भर्तुः प्रिया धर्मपरा निविष्टा ददर्श धीमान् मदनाभिविष्टाः।।5.5.19।।

Transliteration

lokasya pāpāni vināśayantaṃ mahodadhiṃ cāpi samedhayantam | bhūtāni sarvāṇi virājayantaṃ dadarśa śītāṃśum athābhiyāntam ||5.5.2||

Translation

As he moved onward, Hanumān beheld the Moon—dispelling the world’s afflictions, swelling even the great ocean’s tides, and casting its radiance upon all beings.

Context

Intelligent Hanuman saw demonesses seated happily on the laps of their beloved ones on the terraces of the mansions, exhibiting their attachment to one another, overwhelmed with sexual pleasure.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Laṅkā
• Moon (Śītāṃśu)
• Ocean (Mahodadhi)

FAQs

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

Dharma is suggested through the Moon’s impartial beneficence—its light supports all beings without discrimination, mirroring the righteous ideal of acting for the welfare of the world.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān is moving through Laṅkā at night during his search, observing the Moon and its effects on the world and the sea.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Hanumān’s alertness and steadiness: even while on a perilous mission, he remains observant and composed.