Shloka 5.50.2

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

Devanagari script

किमेष भगवान्नन्दी भवेत्साक्षादिहागतः।।।।येन शप्तोऽस्मि कैलासे मया सञ्चालिते पुरा।सोऽयं वानरमूर्तिस्स्यात्किंस्विद्बाणो महाऽसुरः।।।।

Transliteration

rājānaṃ draṣṭukāmena mayā astram anuvartitam || 5.50.17 ||

vimukto hy aham astreṇa rākṣasais tv abhipīḍitaḥ |

kenacid rājakāryeṇa samprāpto ’smi tavāntikam || 5.50.18 ||

Translation

To behold the king, I accepted the binding of the astra; though the rākṣasas tormented me, the astra released me. On a matter of royal duty, I have come into your presence.

Context

'Is he Lord Nandi who came here in person? I was earlier cursed by him when I shook the mount Kailasa in the past. Could he have assumed a monkey-form or may be he is the great demon Bana. (Nandi is the bull, the vehicle of Lord Siva).

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Rāvaṇa
• Rākṣasas
• Astra

FAQs

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

Dharma of a dūta (messenger): even in hostility, one seeks lawful audience and speaks for a rightful cause rather than acting only by force.

What is the narrative situation?

This is the same statement as 5.50.17 with split numbering; Hanumān explains voluntary submission to capture to reach Rāvaṇa.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Mission-focused discipline—he prioritizes message over immediate victory.