Shloka 5.5.9

चन्द्रप्रकाशे लङ्कानिरीक्षणम् — Moonlit Survey of Lanka and the Unfound Sita

Devanagari script

तन्त्रीस्वनाः कर्णसुखाः प्रवृत्ताः स्वपन्ति नार्यः पतिभिः सुवृत्ताः।नक्तंचराश्चापि तथा प्रवृत्ता: विहर्तुमत्यद्भुतरौद्रवृत्ताः।।5.5.9।।

Transliteration

tantrī-svanāḥ karṇa-sukhāḥ pravṛttāḥ svapanti nāryaḥ patibhiḥ su-vṛttāḥ | naktaṃ-carāś cāpi tathā pravṛttā vihartum aty-adbhuta-raudra-vṛttāḥ || 5.5.9 ||

Translation

Pleasing-to-the-ear sounds of stringed instruments began to be heard; virtuous women slept beside their husbands; and likewise the night-wanderers began to roam, their deeds wondrously fierce and cruel.

Context

Pleasing sounds of string instruments had begun to be heard. Chaste women were found asleep with their husbands.The night-rangers had begun their strange (evil and cruel) deeds exhibiting their anger.

Characters & Entities

• tantrī (string instruments)
• naktaṃcarāḥ (night-walkers; rākṣasas implied)

FAQs

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

Dharma is shown as good conduct in private life (su-vṛtta) contrasted with cruel nocturnal wrongdoing. The verse implies that righteousness is recognized by consistent behavior, not by spectacle.

What is the narrative situation?

Night life in Laṅkā is described: music and household rest occur alongside the ominous movement of violent night-wanderers, heightening tension for Hanumān’s covert mission.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Discernment: the ability to distinguish ordinary human virtue from predatory cruelty, essential for navigating Laṅkā without compromising the mission.