Shloka 5.59.26

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

Devanagari script

अशोकवनिकामध्ये रावणस्य दुरात्मनः।अध स्ताच्छिंशुपावृक्षे साध्वी करुणमास्थिता।।5.59.25।।राक्षसीभिः परिवृता शोकसंतापकर्शिता।मेघलेखापरिवृता चन्द्रलेखेव निष्प्रभा।।5.59.26।।।अचिन्तयन्ती वैदेही रावणं बलदर्पितम्।

Transliteration

aśokavanikāmadhye rāvaṇasya durātmanaḥ | adhastāc chiṃśupāvṛkṣe sādhvī karuṇam āsthitā || (5.59.25)

rākṣasībhiḥ parivṛtā śokasaṃtāpakarśitā | meghalekhāparivṛtā candralekheva niṣprabhā || (5.59.26)

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?

The verse underscores fidelity to dharma under duress: Sita’s moral clarity is not altered by captivity or threats; righteousness is internal and unwavering.

What is the narrative situation?

A recension-style repetition/splitting of the description of Sita’s confinement and suffering in Ashoka grove.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Ananyatā (single-mindedness) toward the rightful spouse and refusal of adharma despite fear.