Shloka 5.6.14

राक्षसेन्द्रनिवेशनविचारः (Survey of Ravana’s Residence and Lanka’s Inner Quarters)

Devanagari script

विराजमानं वपुषा गजाश्वरथसङ्कुलम्।।।।लङ्काभरणमित्येव सोऽमन्यत महाकपिः।चचार हनुमांस्तत्र रावणस्य समीपतः।।।।

Transliteration

virājamānaṃ vapuṣā gajāśvarathasaṅkulam |

laṅkābharaṇam ity eva so 'manyata mahākapiḥ |

cacāra hanumāṃs tatra rāvaṇasya samīpataḥ ||

Translation

Brilliant in appearance and thronged with elephants, horses, and chariots, it seemed to the great monkey to be the very ornament of Laṅkā. There Hanumān moved about, drawing near to Rāvaṇa’s quarters.

Context

Hanuman, the great monkey, saw the royal mansion looking brilliant with elephants, horses and chariots. He thought that the palace was the very ornament of Lanka. He moved unnoticed into the close quarters of Ravana.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Laṅkā
• Rāvaṇa
• elephants
• horses
• chariots

FAQs

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

Dharma here is disciplined execution of duty: Hanumān advances with careful movement and purpose, showing that righteous ends require controlled means—especially when protecting truth and the vulnerable.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān observes the most splendid complex—packed with royal transport—and then proceeds stealthily nearer to Rāvaṇa’s inner area while continuing the search.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Strategic restraint and vigilance: courage expressed through careful, intelligent action rather than reckless display.