Shloka 5.58.22

सुन्दरकाण्डे अष्टपञ्चाशः सर्गः — हनुमद्वृत्तान्तकथनम्, सीताभिज्ञान-प्रदानम्, लङ्कादाह-वर्णनम्

Devanagari script

मम भक्षः प्रदिष्टस्त्वममरैर्हरिसत्तम।अतस्त्वां भक्षयिष्यामि विहितस्त्वं चिरस्य मे।।।।

Transliteration

mama bhakṣaḥ pradiṣṭas tvam amarair harisattama | atas tvāṃ bhakṣayiṣyāmi vihitas tvaṃ cirasya me ||

Translation

“O best of monkeys, the Immortals have appointed you as my food; therefore I shall devour you—after a long time you have been allotted to me.”

Context

'O powerful monkey! you are destined to be my food provided by the immortals. Therefore, I will eat you as I have I found you after a long time. (of unsatiated hunger).'

Characters & Entities

• Surasā
• Hanumān
• Amaras (Devas/immortals)

FAQs

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

The verse frames a dharmic dilemma: divine injunction versus one’s sworn mission—testing how one balances obedience, truth, and duty.

What is the narrative situation?

Surasā confronts Hanumān at sea, declaring that the gods have destined him as her prey.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Hanumān’s coming virtue is discernment (viveka): he must respond without arrogance, yet without abandoning his righteous task.