Shloka 5.6.29

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

Devanagari script

रावणस्योपशायिन्यो ददर्श हरिसत्तमः।विचरन्हरिशार्दूलो राक्षसीर्विकृतेक्षणाः।।।।शूलमुद्गरहस्ताश्च शक्तितोमरधारिणी:।

Transliteration

rāvaṇasyopaśāyinyō dadarśa harisattamaḥ |

vicarann hariśārdūlo rākṣasīr vikṛtekṣaṇāḥ ||5.6.29||

śūlamudgarahastāś ca śaktitomaradhāriṇīḥ |

Translation

Moving about within, the best of monkeys—the tiger among the Vānaras—saw near Rāvaṇa’s bed rākṣasīs with distorted, terrifying eyes, holding tridents and hammers, and bearing spears and javelins.

Context

The heroic and powerful vanara saw at Ravana's residence demonesses with hideous eyes guarding the bed and an army of demons holding tridents, hammers, powerful javelins and iron cudgels.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Rāvaṇa
• Rākṣasīs (demonesses)
• Rāvaṇa’s bedchamber (implied)
• Trident (śūla)
• Hammer/mace (mudgara)
• Spear (śakti)
• Javelin (tomara)

FAQs

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

The verse highlights vigilance and responsibility (a secondary dharma of protection), while contrasting it with Rāvaṇa’s adharma: even disciplined guarding can serve unrighteous ends if the ruler’s cause is unjust.

What is the narrative situation?

Inside Rāvaṇa’s residence, Hanumān observes armed rākṣasī guards stationed near the king’s sleeping area.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Alertness and courage: Hanumān continues reconnaissance even amidst heavily armed guards.