Shloka 5.54.8

लङ्कादाहः — The Burning of Lanka (Catuḥpañcāśaḥ Sargaḥ)

Devanagari script

अवप्लुत्य महावेगः प्रहस्तस्य निवेशनम्।अग्निं तत्र स निक्षिप्य श्वसनेन समो बली।।।।ततोऽन्यत्पुप्लुवे वेश्म महापार्श्वस्य वीर्यवान्।मुमोच हनुमानग्निं कालानलशिखोपमम्।।।।

Transliteration

avaplutya mahāvegaḥ prahastasya niveśanam |

agniṃ tatra sa nikṣipya śvasanena samo balī ||

tato ’nyat pupluve veśma mahāpārśvasya vīryavān |

mumo ca hanumān agniṃ kālānalaśikhopamam ||

Translation

Swift and powerful, equal to the Wind in speed, he leapt down upon Prahasta’s residence and cast fire there. Then the valiant Hanumān sprang to another mansion—Mahāpārśva’s—and released flames like the fire at the end of time.

Context

Powerful and brave Hanuman who was equal to the Wind-god in speed jumped down on the house of Prahasta and set fire to it. From there he jumped on to Mahaparsva's house and set it ablaze. Hanuman appeared like the fire-flame at the time of dissolution.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Prahasta
• Mahāpārśva
• Laṅkā
• Agni (fire)
• Kālānala (cosmic fire at dissolution)

FAQs

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

Mission-oriented righteousness: Hanumān’s force is portrayed as purposeful—an instrument to weaken adharma (rākṣasa tyranny) in service of a just cause.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān spreads the fire from one rākṣasa leader’s mansion to another, intensifying the burning of Laṅkā after being set ablaze.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vīrya (heroic energy) and speed: his wind-like swiftness and decisive action underline disciplined strength in service.