Shloka 5.50.3

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

Devanagari script

किमेष भगवान्नन्दी भवेत्साक्षादिहागतः।।5.50.2।।येन शप्तोऽस्मि कैलासे मया सञ्चालिते पुरा।सोऽयं वानरमूर्तिस्स्यात्किंस्विद्बाणो महाऽसुरः।।5.50.3।।

Transliteration

dūto ’ham iti vijñeyo rāghavasyāmitaujasaḥ |

śrūyatāṃ cāpi vacanaṃ mama pathyam idaṃ prabho ||

Translation

Know me as a messenger of Rāghava, whose power is immeasurable. And, O lord, listen also to these words of mine—words spoken for your good.

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 monkeyform or may be he is the great demon Bana. (Nandi is the bull, the vehicle of Lord Siva).

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Rāma (Rāghava)
• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

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

Dharma of truthful diplomacy: Hanumān formally declares his envoy status and offers counsel aimed at the opponent’s welfare, not mere insult.

What is the narrative situation?

Standing before Rāvaṇa, Hanumān finally states his official identity as Rāma’s messenger and asks the king to hear a beneficial message.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Benevolence even toward an adversary—he frames his speech as “pathya” (for your good), reflecting ethical intention.