Shloka 5.50.16

रावण-प्रहस्त-हनूमद्वार्ता (Ravana and Prahasta Question Hanuman)

Devanagari script

अस्त्रपाशैर्न शक्योऽहं बद्धुं देवासुरैरपि।।।।पितामहादेष वरो मामाप्येषोऽभ्युपागतः।

Transliteration

darśane rākṣasendrasya durlabhe tad idaṃ mayā || 5.50.14 ||

vanaṃ rākṣasarājasya darśanārthe vināśitam |

Translation

“Since an audience with the lord of the rākṣasas is hard to obtain, I destroyed the demon-king’s grove only to secure a sight of you.”

Context

"It is not possible to bind me with any bondage of astras even by devas or danavas. Such a boon has been granted to me by Grandfather Brahma.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Rāvaṇa
• Rākṣasa grove/garden (Aśoka-vana contextually adjacent in Sundara Kāṇḍa)

FAQs

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

Accountability in action: Hanumān openly explains his disruptive act as a strategic means, accepting responsibility rather than hiding behind excuses.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān explains to Rāvaṇa why he caused destruction in Laṅkā—so that the king would be compelled to appear.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Courage and candor in diplomacy—he speaks plainly about his motives even in an enemy court.