Shloka 5.57.38
सप्तपञ्चाशः सर्गः — Hanumān’s Return, Roar of Success, and the Announcement “Sītā Seen”
हनुमानब्रवीद्धृष्टस्तदा तान्वानरर्षभान्।।5.57.37।।अशोकवनिकासंस्था दृष्टा सा जनकात्मजा।रक्षमाणा सुघोराभी राक्षसीभिरनिन्दिता।।5.57.38।।एकवेणीधरा बाला रामदर्शनलालसा।उपवासपरिश्रान्ता जटिला मलिना कृशा।।5.57.39।।
hanumān abravīd dhṛṣṭas tadā tān vānararṣabhān || 5.57.37 || aśokavanikāsaṃsthā dṛṣṭā sā janakātmajā | rakṣamāṇā sughorābhī rākṣasībhir aninditā || 5.57.38 || ekaveṇīdharā bālā rāmadarśanalālasā | upavāsapariśrāntā jaṭilā malinā kṛśā || 5.57.39 ||
Hanumān reiterated his report: Sītā, Janaka’s daughter, was seen in the Aśoka grove—blameless, yet guarded by terrifying rākṣasīs.
Hanuman felt happy and told Angada, the bull of vanaras, "I saw Sita in the groves of Ashoka guarded by dreadful ogres. She is blameless, eager to see Rama. She is wearing a single braid of hair. She is young and emaciated due to fasting. Her hair is matted and soiled".
Truth aligned with righteous purpose: accurate identification of the oppressed innocent (aninditā) and the forces of adharma (rākṣasīs) clarifies the moral stakes.
A textual reiteration within the reporting scene, emphasizing Sītā’s location (Aśoka grove) and her guarded condition.
Hanumān’s reliability—he confirms key facts necessary for the next dharmic action.