Shloka 5.53.28

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

Devanagari script

यद्यस्ति पतिशुश्रूषा यद्यस्ति चरितं तपः।यदि चास्त्येकपत्नीत्वं शीतो भव हनूमतः।।5.53.28।।

Transliteration

yady asti patiśuśrūṣā yady asti caritaṃ tapaḥ | yadi cāsty ekapatnītvaṃ śīto bhava hanūmataḥ ||5.53.28||

Translation

“If my service to my husband is true, if the austerity I have practiced is true, and if my single-hearted fidelity is true—then, O Fire, be cool to Hanumān.”

Context

"O Fire-god! if I have served my husband, if I have practised austerities, and if I am loyal to my husband, be cool to Hanuman.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Hanumān
• Agni (Fire-god)
• patiśuśrūṣā (wifely devotion)
• tapas (austerity)
• ekapatnītva (exclusive marital fidelity)

FAQs

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

Satya as moral power: Sītā invokes the truth of her dharmic conduct (devotion, austerity, fidelity) as a protective force, asking Agni to suspend harm.

What is the narrative situation?

With Hanumān’s tail burning in Laṅkā, Sītā prays that the fire will not injure him.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Integrity (satya) and steadfast fidelity, presented as spiritually efficacious and protective.