Shloka 5.59.3

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

Devanagari script

तपसा निर्दहेल्लोकान्क्रुद्धो वा निर्दहेदपि।सर्वधातिप्रवृद्धोऽसौ रावणो राक्षसाधिपः ॥ ॥

Transliteration

tapasā nirdahel lokān kruddho vā nirdahed api | sarvadhātipravṛddho 'sau rāvaṇo rākṣasādhipaḥ ||

Translation

That lord of the rākṣasas—Rāvaṇa—has grown mighty through austerities; if angered, he could burn the worlds by the force of his penance.

Context

"The demon king is rich in asceticism. He can burn the whole world with the power of his penance. In spite of Sita's anger he was not burnt(Hanuman gives the reason for Ravana's survival).

Characters & Entities

• Ravana

FAQs

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

Power gained through tapas is morally neutral; Dharma depends on how power is directed. The verse sets up the Ramayana’s ethical contrast: spiritual power without righteousness can become destructive.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanuman, having returned from Lanka, explains to Rama the factors surrounding Ravana’s strength and why Ravana remains a formidable opponent.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Hanuman’s truthful reporting and strategic clarity: he neither minimizes Ravana nor exaggerates, presenting facts to guide righteous action.