Shloka 5.6.37

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

Devanagari script

शिबिका विविधाकाराः स कपिर्मारुतात्मजः।लतागृहाणि चित्राणि चित्रशालागृहाणि च।।5.6.36।।क्रीडागृहाणि चान्यानि दारुपर्वतकानपि।कामस्य गृहकं रम्यं दिवागृहकमेव च।।5.6.37।।ददर्श राक्षसेन्द्रस्य रावणस्य निवेशने।

Transliteration

krīḍāgṛhāṇi cānyāni dāruparvatakān api |

kāmasya gṛhakaṁ ramyaṁ divāgṛhakam eva ca || 5.6.37 ||

dadarśa rākṣasendrasya rāvaṇasya niveśane |

Translation

In the residence of Ravana, lord of the rakshasas, he also saw other pleasure-halls, artificial wooden hillocks, a charming chamber meant for amorous play, and separate apartments for daytime leisure.

Context

The son of the Windgod saw at the palace of Ravana, the lord of demons, colourful palanquins of several kinds, bowers, picture galleries, spots for sporting, hillocks (artificial) made of wood, apartments for romance, for pleasures and day time activities.

Characters & Entities

• Hanuman
• Ravana
• Rakshasas

FAQs

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

The verse contrasts indulgence with duty: Hanuman’s dharma is to stay focused on Sita’s search, not be swayed by the architecture of pleasure that symbolizes unchecked desire.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanuman’s reconnaissance continues deeper into the palace, where he observes spaces designed for entertainment and sensual enjoyment.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Single-pointed dedication (niṣṭhā): despite seeing kāma-oriented spaces, he remains a disciplined messenger of Rama.