Shloka 5.55.31

लङ्कादाहानन्तरचिन्ता — Hanuman’s Post-Conflagration Self-Examination and Assurance of Sita’s Safety

Devanagari script

प्रपलायितरक्षः स्त्रीबालवृद्धसमाकुला।जनकोलाहलाध्माता क्रन्दन्तीवाद्रिकन्दरै: ।।।।

Transliteration

prapalāyita-rakṣaḥ-strī-bāla-vṛddha-samākulā | jana-kolāhalādhmātā krandantīvādri-kandaraiḥ ||

Translation

The city swarmed with rākṣasa women, children, and the aged fleeing in panic; filled with the uproar of the people, it seemed to wail through its cave-like recesses.

Context

The city is crowded with women, children and old demons running (in a bid to save themselves). The loud wails of demons resounded in the mountain-caves. It was as if the city was shrieking loudly.

Characters & Entities

• Lanka (city; implied)
• Rākṣasas (women, children, elderly)

FAQs

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

Adharma generates collective suffering and social collapse; when unrighteous power rules, even the vulnerable are swept into fear and disorder.

What is the narrative situation?

The narration depicts Lanka’s chaos as the fire spreads—people flee and the city seems to cry out.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Not a single virtue is praised here; rather, the verse highlights the tragic effects that follow a city’s alignment with adharma.