Shloka 5.50.5

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

Devanagari script

दुरात्मा पृच्छ्यतामेष कुतः किं वात्र कारणम्।वनभङ्गे च कोऽस्यार्थो राक्षसीनां च तर्जने।।।।

Transliteration

durātmā pṛcchyatām eṣa kutaḥ kiṃ vātra kāraṇam |

vanabhaṅge ca ko ’syārtho rākṣasīnāṃ ca tarjane ||

Translation

Question this wicked one: from where has he come, and for what reason is he here? What was his purpose in wrecking the grove and threatening the rākṣasī women?

Context

"Enquire from this wicked one, why he has come and from where, Why he destroyed the garden and for what purpose he threatened the demonesses?

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Prahasta
• Hanumān
• Laṅkā (implicitly)
• Aśoka-vana/grove (implicitly)
• Rākṣasīs

FAQs

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

Before judging or punishing, authority should investigate motives and causes. Dharma in governance begins with inquiry aimed at truth (satya).

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa orders that the captured intruder be interrogated about his origin, intent, and actions in the grove and against the guards.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Administrative discernment: seeking facts and intent rather than acting only from anger.