Shloka 5.53.35

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

Devanagari script

दृश्यते च महाज्वालः करोति न च मे रुजम्।।5.53.35।।शिशिरस्येव सङ्घातो लाङ्गूलाग्रे प्रतिष्ठितः।

Transliteration

dṛśyate ca mahājvālaḥ karoti na ca me rujam ||5.53.35|| śiśirasy eva saṅghāto lāṅgūlāgre pratiṣṭhitaḥ |

Translation

“Though a great flame is visible, it causes me no pain—like a mass of coolness, as if ice itself were resting on the tip of my tail.”

Context

'This huge flame is not hurting me. It is as though a mass of ice is placed at the end of my tail. (The fire did not torture nor extend beyond the tip of my tail.)

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• lāṅgūla (tail)
• Agni (fire)

FAQs

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

The verse implies that dharma can invert expected outcomes: what is meant to harm may become harmless when one acts for a righteous cause.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān observes the paradox of an intense flame that does not inflict pain on him.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadfastness and clarity—Hanumān remains observant and undistracted from his mission.