Shloka 5.55.34

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

Devanagari script

ततः कपिः प्राप्तमनोरथार्थस्तामक्षतां राजसुतां विदित्वा।प्रत्यक्षतस्तां पुनरेव दृष्टवा प्रतिप्रयाणाय मतिं चकार।।।।

Transliteration

tataḥ kapiḥ prāptamanorathārthas tām akṣatāṁ rājasutāṁ viditvā | pratyakṣatas tāṁ punar eva dṛṣṭvā pratiprayāṇāya matiṁ cakāra ||

Translation

Then Hanumān—his purpose fulfilled—knowing the king’s daughter (Sītā) to be unharmed, resolved to depart, after seeing her once again directly to be certain of her safety.

Context

Hanuman, having fulfilled his desires and knowing that Sita is not hurt, thought of departing after meeting Sita once again (to testify that she is really safe).ityārṣē śrīmadrāmāyaṇē vālmīkīya ādikāvyē sundarakāṇḍē pañcapañcāśassargaḥ৷৷Thus ends the fiftyfifth sarga of Sundarakanda of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Sītā
• Jānakī
• rājasutā (princess)

FAQs

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

Dharma here emphasizes responsible action grounded in सत्य (truth) and certainty: Hanumān does not act on assumption, but seeks direct confirmation of Sītā’s safety before departing and reporting.

What is the narrative situation?

After the upheavals in Laṅkā and his mission’s success in locating Sītā, Hanumān decides to return—but only after seeing Sītā again directly to ensure she is truly unharmed.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence and integrity: Hanumān shows careful verification, accountability to Rāma’s mission, and commitment to truthful testimony.