Shloka 5.53.20

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

Devanagari script

अथापश्यद्विमानानि विचित्राणि महाकपिः।संवृतान् भूमिभागांश्च सुविभक्तांश्च चत्वरान्।।5.53.20।।

Transliteration

athāpaśyad vimānāni vicitrāṇi mahākapiḥ | saṃvṛtān bhūmibhāgāṃś ca su-vibhaktāṃś ca catvarān ||5.53.20||

Translation

Then the great monkey saw wondrous mansions, securely enclosed stretches of ground, and squares laid out in orderly divisions.

Context

The great vanara saw wonderful, towering mansions, secure, mammoth buildings all over and well-laid out squares on the streets.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Laṅkā (implied city setting)
• vimāna (mansion/palace)
• catvara (city square)

FAQs

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

Dharma also appears as order and structure in civic life: the city is portrayed as organized and secured, reflecting disciplined governance (even if morally misused by its rulers).

What is the narrative situation?

As Hanumān is being taken through Laṅkā, he observes the city’s architecture and planned public spaces.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Alertness and keen observation: Hanumān remains perceptive even while under threat.