HomeRamayanaSundara KandaSarga 53Shloka 5.53.15
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Shloka 5.53.15

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

रात्रौ न हि सुदृष्टा मे दुर्गकर्मविधानतः।अवश्यमेव द्रष्टव्या मया लङ्का निशाक्षये।।5.53.15।।

rātrau na hi sudṛṣṭā me durgakarmavidhānataḥ | avaśyam eva draṣṭavyā mayā laṅkā niśākṣaye ||5.53.15||

At night I could not observe Laṅkā well in regard to its fortifications and defenses; therefore, when the night ends, I must certainly examine it again.

'Indeed I saw Lanka at night for which I could not acquire proper knowledge about the fortification of the city. Surely it should be seen by me now after the night has passed.

H
Hanumān
L
Laṅkā

Dharma requires diligence: a servant of a righteous cause must seek clear knowledge, not act on partial observation or darkness (literal or moral).

Hanumān recognizes his earlier night-time survey was incomplete, especially regarding defenses, and resolves to inspect Laṅkā by daylight.

Pramāda-abhāva (carefulness) and thoroughness in fulfilling responsibility.