Shloka 5.54.44

लङ्कादाहः — The Burning of Lanka (Catuḥpañcāśaḥ Sargaḥ)

Devanagari script

त्रिकूटशृङ्गाग्रतले विचित्रे प्रतिष्ठितो वानरराजसिंहः।प्रदीप्तलाङ्गूलकृतार्चिमाली व्यराजताऽऽदित्य इवांशुमाली।।।।

Transliteration

tataḥ pradīptalāṅgūlaḥ sa-vidyud iva toyadaḥ | bhavanāgreṣu laṅkāyā vicacāra mahākapiḥ ||

Translation

Then the great monkey, his tail aflame, moved across the rooftops of Laṅkā—like a rain-cloud streaked with lightning.

Context

Standing on the peak of Trikuta mountain with his tail burning like the aura of the Sun, the lion among vanaras looked resplendent like the Sun surrounded by his rays.

Characters & Entities

• Hanuman
• Lanka

FAQs

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

Dharma is expressed as steadfast execution of a righteous commission: Hanuman’s movement is disciplined, directed action against tyranny, not random destruction—an ethical war-aim rooted in restoring justice.

What is the narrative situation?

With his tail still burning, Hanuman leaps and runs along the roofs of Lanka to spread fire through the city.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Fearless initiative: he acts swiftly and intelligently under threat, maintaining momentum toward the mission’s end.