Shloka 5.58.48

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

Devanagari script

जिघांसन्तीं ततस्तां तु ज्वलदग्निशिरोरुहाम्।।।।सव्यमुष्टिप्रहारेण पराजित्य सुभैरवाम्।प्रदोषकाले प्रविशं भीतयाऽहं तयोदितः।।।।

Transliteration

jighāṃsantīṃ tatas tāṃ tu jvalad-agni-śiroruhām |

savya-muṣṭi-prahāreṇa parājitya su-bhairavām |

pradoṣa-kāle praviśaṃ bhītayāhaṃ tayoditaḥ ||

Translation

Then that terrifying one, with hair blazing like fire, rushed to kill me. Defeating her with a blow of my left fist, I entered at twilight.

Context

"Then the frightening form, with its hair burning like sacrificial fire, emerged to kill me. I defeated her hittting with my left fist and entered the city at sun-set time.

Characters & Entities

• Laṅkā
• Laṅkā-devatā / Laṅkā-purī-devī (guardian/presiding deity of Laṅkā, by context)

FAQs

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

Use of force is framed as defensive and mission-protecting: Hanumān employs minimal necessary strength to remove an obstacle while remaining focused on the higher dharmic goal—finding Sītā.

What is the narrative situation?

A guardian-like, fearsome female figure attacks Hanumān at Laṅkā’s entry; he subdues her with a single left-fist blow and proceeds into the city at dusk.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Parākrama (valour) guided by purpose: power is not used for cruelty, but to clear the way for a righteous undertaking.