Shloka 5.5.4
चन्द्रप्रकाशे लङ्कानिरीक्षणम् — Moonlit Survey of Lanka and the Unfound Sita
हंसो यथा राजतपञ्जरस्थः सिंहो यथा मन्दरकन्दरस्थः।वीरो यथा गर्वितकुञ्जरस्थ चन्द्रोऽपि बभ्राज तथाम्बरस्थः।।5.5.4।।
haṃso yathā rājata-pañjarasthaḥ siṃho yathā mandara-kandarasthaḥ | vīro yathā garvita-kuñjarasthaḥ candro 'pi babhrāja tathā 'mbarasthaḥ || 5.5.4 ||
As a swan shines in a silver cage, as a lion shines in a cave of Mandara, as a hero shines mounted upon a proud elephant—so too the Moon shone, stationed in the sky.
'Like a swan in a cage of silver, like a lion in a cave of Mandara mountain, like a hero on a proud, intoxicated elephant, the Moon shone in the sky.
The Moon’s ordered brilliance is presented through images of rightful placement—each being shines when situated in its proper sphere. This echoes dharma as ‘fitness’: excellence manifests when one stands in one’s appropriate role and setting.
The narration continues describing the moonlit night in Laṅkā as Hanumān proceeds with vigilance, using the serene sky as contrast to the city’s hidden dangers.
Steadfastness and composure: the calm, luminous moon imagery supports Hanumān’s disciplined resolve amid an enemy city.