Shloka 5.54.17

लङ्कादाहः — The Burning of Lanka (Catuḥpañcāśaḥ Sargaḥ)

Devanagari script

तेषु तेषु महार्हेषु भवनेषु महायशाः।गृहेष्वृद्धिमतामृद्धिं ददाह स महाकपिः।।।।

Transliteration

teṣu teṣu mahārheṣu bhavaneṣu mahāyaśāḥ |

gṛheṣv ṛddhimatām ṛddhiṃ dadāha sa mahākapiḥ ||

Translation

Moving from one costly mansion to another, the renowned great monkey burned down the wealth of those prosperous rākṣasas.

Context

Moving among those highly luxurious mansions the glorious Vanara burnt away the wealth of all the rich demons.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Laṅkā
• rākṣasas (demons)

FAQs

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

Adharma-fed prosperity is not secure: the verse underscores that wealth used to uphold injustice can be destroyed, reflecting karmic consequence and dharmic rebalancing.

What is the narrative situation?

After sparing Vibhīṣaṇa’s home, Hanumān continues through Laṅkā, burning the luxurious houses of the rākṣasas.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Kṛtya-niṣṭhā (steadfast execution of duty): Hanumān remains focused on his mission to weaken Rāvaṇa’s power base.