Shloka 5.53.17

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

Devanagari script

ततस्ते संवृताकारं सत्त्ववन्तं महाकपिम्।परिगृह्य ययुर्हृष्टा राक्षसाः कपिकुञ्जरम्।।5.53.17।।

Transliteration

tatas te saṁvṛtākāraṁ sattvavantaṁ mahākapim | parigṛhya yayur hṛṣṭā rākṣasāḥ kapikuñjaram ||5.53.17||

Translation

Then those rākṣasas, delighted, seized the mighty great monkey—an elephant among monkeys—who had drawn his body in, and they set off with him.

Context

Then the ogres set forth joyfully capturing the very powerful elephant among the monkeys, the great vanara who had contracted his body.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Rākṣasas

FAQs

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

Dharma includes composure under constraint: Hanumān’s controlled posture (contracted form) reflects disciplined strength rather than uncontrolled rage.

What is the narrative situation?

Rākṣasas capture Hanumān (who has reduced his size) and, rejoicing, take him along through the city.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Self-regulation and tactical adaptability.