Shloka 5.59.25

हनूमद्वृत्तान्तः—वानरबलप्रशंसा च (Hanuman’s Report and Praise of the Vanara Host)

Devanagari script

अशोकवनिकामध्ये रावणस्य दुरात्मनः।अध स्ताच्छिंशुपावृक्षे साध्वी करुणमास्थिता।।।।राक्षसीभिः परिवृता शोकसंतापकर्शिता।मेघलेखापरिवृता चन्द्रलेखेव निष्प्रभा।।।।।अचिन्तयन्ती वैदेही रावणं बलदर्पितम्।

Transliteration

aśokavanikāmadhye rāvaṇasya durātmanaḥ | adhastāc chiṃśupāvṛkṣe sādhvī karuṇam āsthitā ||

rākṣasībhiḥ parivṛtā śokasaṃtāpakarśitā | meghalekhāparivṛtā candralekheva niṣprabhā ||

acintayantī vaidehī rāvaṇaṃ baladarpitam |

Translation

In the midst of the wicked Ravana’s Ashoka grove, beneath the śiṃśupā tree, the noble lady sat in a pitiable state—surrounded by rākṣasīs, worn down by grief and torment, like a moonbeam dimmed by veils of cloud—giving no thought to Ravana, swollen with the pride of power.

Context

"In the wicked, Ravana's Ashoka garden under the Simsupa tree the noble lady Sita surrounded by ogresses, is sitting, tormented by tears. Her brightness is like the Moon's, veiled by flakes of clouds. She does not care for Ravana's glory. She is brooding over Rama only.

Characters & Entities

• Ashoka grove (Aśokavanikā)
• Ravana
• Sita (Vaidehī)
• Śiṃśupā tree
• Rākṣasīs

FAQs

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

Dharma is shown through Sita’s inner integrity: despite coercion and suffering, she does not mentally yield to Ravana’s power, demonstrating moral steadfastness over external circumstance.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanuman describes Sita’s condition and location in Lanka—seated under the śiṃśupā tree in the Ashoka grove, guarded by rākṣasīs and weakened by grief.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sita’s steadfastness (dhairya) and purity of intention—refusal to acknowledge Ravana’s claims despite intimidation.