Shloka 5.54.48

लङ्कादाहः — The Burning of Lanka (Catuḥpañcāśaḥ Sargaḥ)

Devanagari script

तत्र देवास्सगन्धर्वास्सिद्धाश्च परमर्षयः।दृष्ट्वा लङ्कां प्रदग्धां तां विस्मयं परमं गताः।।।।

Transliteration

tatas tu taṃ vānaravīramukhyaṃ mahābalaṃ mārutatulyavegam | mahāmatiṃ vāyusutaṃ variṣṭhaṃ pratuṣṭuvur devagaṇāś ca sarve ||

Translation

Then all the hosts of gods praised him—the foremost of Vanara heroes, mighty in strength, swift as the wind, supremely wise, the excellent son of Vayu.

Context

The gandharvas, gods, siddhas and great sages were amazed at seeing the burning city of Lanka৷৷

Characters & Entities

• Hanuman
• Vayu
• Devas (gods)

FAQs

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

Divine praise signals moral legitimacy: when strength and speed serve a righteous end, the cosmos ‘approves’—dharma is not mere power but power aligned with justice and truth.

What is the narrative situation?

After Hanuman’s feat in Lanka, the gods extol his qualities and accomplishment.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Excellence in capability joined to wisdom: heroism is complete only when guided by discernment.