Shloka 5.57.39

सप्तपञ्चाशः सर्गः — Hanumān’s Return, Roar of Success, and the Announcement “Sītā Seen”

Devanagari script

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।।

Transliteration

ekaveṇīdharā bālā rāmadarśanalālasā | upavāsapariśrāntā jaṭilā malinā kṛśā ||

Translation

She wore a single braid; still young, she yearned to behold Rāma. Worn out by fasting, with matted hair, soiled and thin—such was her condition.

Context

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".

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāma
• Hanumān

FAQs

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

Compassion as a dimension of dharma: truthful witnessing of suffering obligates righteous allies to respond, not to ignore.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān describes Sītā’s austerity and distress, strengthening the urgency of the rescue mission.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s steadfastness and fidelity—her longing is for Rāma, and her austerity reflects endurance under adharma’s oppression.