Shloka 5.53.16

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

Devanagari script

कामं बद्धस्य मे भूयः पुच्छस्योद्दीपनेन च।पीडां कुर्वन्तु रक्षांसि न मेऽस्ति मनसश्श्रमः।।5.53.16।।

Transliteration

kāmaṁ baddhasya me bhūyaḥ pucchasya uddīpanena ca | pīḍāṁ kurvantu rakṣāṁsi na me ’sti manasaḥ śramaḥ ||5.53.16||

Translation

Let the rākṣasas bind me again if they wish, and even torment me by setting my tail aflame—my mind feels no fatigue.

Context

'Let the demons torture me freely by setting fire to my tail. Let them bind me. I am not exhausted.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Rākṣasas
• Tail (puccha)

FAQs

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

Dharma-driven courage: steadfastness in a righteous mission can make one endure suffering without inner collapse, maintaining clarity and purpose.

What is the narrative situation?

Anticipating torture (including burning his tail), Hanumān remains mentally unshaken and willing to endure for the mission.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Abhaya (fearlessness) and titikṣā (endurance of hardship).