Shloka 5.53.34
लाङ्गूलदाह-पर्यटनम् (The Burning Tail and the Parade through Laṅkā)
दह्यमाने च लाङ्गूले चिन्तयामास वानरः।।5.53.34।।प्रदीप्तोऽग्निरयं कस्मान्न मां दहति सर्वतः।
dahyamāne ca lāṅgūle cintayāmāsa vānaraḥ ||5.53.34|| pradīpto 'gnir ayaṃ kasmān na māṃ dahati sarvataḥ |
While his tail was burning, the monkey reflected: “This fire is blazing all around—why does it not burn me?”
When the tail was burning, the vanara wondered how the fire ablaze on every side was not burning him:
A dharmic mind reads events with humility and inquiry, recognizing that protection may come from higher righteousness rather than personal invincibility.
Hanumān’s tail has been ignited, yet he notices he is not being harmed as expected.
Hanumān’s composure and reflective intelligence even under torture.