Shloka 5.55.10
लङ्कादाहानन्तरचिन्ता — Hanuman’s Post-Conflagration Self-Examination and Assurance of Sita’s Safety
ईषत्कार्यमिदं कार्यं कृतमासीन्न संशयः।तस्य क्रोधाभिभूतेन मया मूलक्षयः कृतः।।।।
īṣatkāryam idaṃ kāryaṃ kṛtam āsīn na saṃśayaḥ |
tasya krodhābhibhūtena mayā mūlakṣayaḥ kṛtaḥ ||
This task has indeed been accomplished—there is no doubt. Yet, overpowered by anger, I have brought ruin upon the very foundation of my mission.
'A small work is done, no doubt. But the very root of my achievement has been destroyed in my anger.
Self-mastery: anger (krodha) can sabotage dharmic goals; righteous ends require disciplined means and clarity of judgment.
After burning Laṅkā, Hanumān fears that his anger-driven act may have harmed Sītā and thus undermined the purpose of his mission.
Conscience and humility: despite success, he scrutinizes his own conduct and admits fault.