Shloka 5.51.17

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

Devanagari script

भ्रमता च मया दृष्टा गृहे ते जनकात्मजा।।5.51.16।।तद्भवान् दृष्टधर्मार्थस्तपःकृतपरिग्रहः।परदारान् महाप्राज्ञ नोपरोद्धुं त्वमर्हसि।।5.51.17।।

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 know dharma and artha and are fortified by austerity, O wise one, you should not keep or abduct 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

FAQs

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

A ruler’s true dignity is shown by restraint; wisdom and tapas are contradicted by violating another’s marriage.

What is the narrative situation?

This verse repeats the prior admonition (a recensional duplication), reinforcing Hanumān’s moral warning to Rāvaṇa.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Persistence in satya-upadeśa—reiterating truth for the listener’s welfare.