Shloka 5.51.16

हनूमदुपदेशः रावणस्य च कोपः (Hanuman’s Counsel to Ravana and Ravana’s Wrath)

Devanagari script

भ्रमता च मया दृष्टा गृहे ते जनकात्मजा।।।।तद्भवान् दृष्टधर्मार्थस्तपःकृतपरिग्रहः।परदारान् महाप्राज्ञ नोपरोद्धुं त्वमर्हसि।।।।

Transliteration

bhramatā ca mayā dṛṣṭā gṛhe te janakātmajā | tad bhavān dṛṣṭadharmārthas tapaḥkṛtaparigrahaḥ | paradārān mahāprājña noparoddhuṃ tvam arhasi ||

Translation

While roaming, I saw Janaka’s daughter in your house. Since you discern dharma and artha and are upheld by austerity, O great wise one, it does not befit you to seize another man’s wife.

Context

"While I was roaming I saw Janaka's daughter Sita at your house.You are a knower of the truth of righteousness. You are very wise and carrried out great austerities. It does not behove you to abduct another man's wife.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā (Janakātmajā)
• Janaka
• Rāvaṇa (implied by address)

FAQs

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

Paradāra-agrahaṇa: taking or holding another’s spouse is adharma and violates moral order (maryādā).

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān confirms he has seen Sītā in Rāvaṇa’s house and urges Rāvaṇa to abandon the wrongdoing.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral clarity and fearless counsel—Hanumān speaks truth (satya) directly to power.