Shloka 5.53.11

लाङ्गूलदाह-पर्यटनम् (The Burning Tail and the Parade through Laṅkā)

Devanagari script

कामं खलु न मे शक्ता निबद्धस्यापि राक्षसाः।।5.53.11।।छित्त्वा पाशान् समुत्पत्य हन्यामहमिमान्पुनः।

Transliteration

kāmaṁ khalu na me śaktā nibaddhasyāpi rākṣasāḥ | chittvā pāśān samutpatya hanyām aham imān punaḥ ||5.53.11||

Translation

Truly, these rākṣasas are not able to hold me even when I am bound; cutting these bonds, I could leap up and kill them again.

Context

'Even though these ogres are not capable, they have bound me. Indeed I will leap (into the air) once again and sever my bonds and kill them.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Rākṣasas

FAQs

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

Power is to be governed by purpose: Dharma is not merely the ability to punish wrongdoers, but the discipline to use strength only when it serves the righteous objective.

What is the narrative situation?

Bound by rākṣasas, Hanumān reflects that he can easily break free and destroy them, indicating his captivity is not due to weakness.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vīrya (strength) combined with self-mastery—Hanumān’s capability is clear, yet he weighs action against mission.