Shloka 5.54.47

लङ्कादाहः — The Burning of Lanka (Catuḥpañcāśaḥ Sargaḥ)

Devanagari script

भङ्क्त्वा वनं महातेजा हत्वा रक्षांसि संयुगे।दग्ध्वा लङ्कापुरीं रम्यां रराज स महाकपिः।।।।

Transliteration

sa rākṣasāṃs tān subahūṃś ca hatvā vanaṃ ca bhaṅktvā bahupādapaṃ tat | visṛjya rakṣobhavaneṣu cāgniṃ jagāma rāmaṃ manasā mahātmā ||

Translation

Having slain many Rakṣasas, shattered that grove thick with trees, and loosed fire into the demons’ dwellings, the great-souled one turned his mind toward Rama, seeking Him within.

Context

Hanuman destroyed the garden, killed the demons, burnt the city of Lanka and was shining with delight

Characters & Entities

• Hanuman
• Rama
• Rakshasas
• Lanka (implied)

FAQs

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

Dharma is devotion-driven duty: even amid warfare, Hanuman’s inner orientation remains toward Rama (satya and righteousness), showing that right action must be anchored in right intention.

What is the narrative situation?

After completing the destruction and arson in Lanka, Hanuman recollects Rama inwardly and prepares to return to the larger mission.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Single-pointed loyalty (ananyabhakti) and disciplined mind: action outside is intense, but the inner compass stays fixed on Rama.