Shloka 5.53.12

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

Devanagari script

यदि भर्तुर्हितार्थाय चरन्तं भर्तृशासनात्।।5.53.12।।बध्नन्त्येते दुरात्मनो न तु मे निष्कृतिः कृता।

Transliteration

yadi bhartur hitārthāya carantaṁ bhartṛśāsanāt | badhnanty ete durātmāno na tu me niṣkṛtiḥ kṛtā ||5.53.12||

Translation

If these wicked ones, acting under their master’s command, bind me while I move about for my lord’s welfare, then I will not grant them an easy escape from the consequences.

Context

'These evil-minded demons bind me, ordered by their lord. When I am moving here for the welfare of my master, I will not let them escape৷৷

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Rākṣasas
• Rāma (implied by 'bhartuḥ' as Hanumān’s lord)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes accountability: wrongdoing done under orders does not become righteous; those who obstruct a righteous mission invite fitting consequences.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān notes the rākṣasas bind him by their lord’s command while he acts for his own lord’s welfare, and he resolves not to let them go unpunished.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Niṣṭhā (steadfast loyalty) to Rāma’s purpose, coupled with a sense of justice.