Shloka 6.116.4

सीतासान्त्वनम् / Hanuman Consoles Sita with the News of Victory

Devanagari script

प्रविश्य चपुरींलङ्कांपूज्यमानोनिशाचारै: ।ततस्तेनाभ्युनुज्ञातोहनुमान्वृक्षवाटिकाम् ।।6.116.2।।सम्प्रविश्ययथान्यायंसीतायाद्विितोहरिः ।ददर्शमृजयाहीनांसातङ्कांरोहिणीमिव ।।6.116.3।।वृक्षमूलेनिरानन्दांराक्षसीभिःपरीवृताम् ।निभृतःप्रणतःप्रह्वस्सोऽभिगम्याभिवाद्य च ।।6.116.4।।

Transliteration

vṛkṣamūle nirānandāṃ rākṣasībhiḥ parīvṛtām | nibhṛtaḥ praṇataḥ prahvaḥ so 'bhigamyābhivādya ca ||6.116.4||

Translation

At the foot of a tree he saw her—joyless, surrounded by rākṣasīs; he approached silently, bowed low in reverence, and saluted her.

Context

The monkey, having sought the permission of Vibheeshana, entered Lanka city. Duly entering the Asoka grove, he attracted the attention of Sita, who was weak with no bath, cheerless, seated at the root of the tree, like Rohini star. After reaching the grove, he greeted Sita with folded palms and stood motionless.

Characters & Entities

• Hanuman
• Sita
• Lanka
• Aśoka-vāṭikā (Ashoka grove)
• Rākṣasī (female rākṣasas)

FAQs

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

Maryādā (proper conduct) is upheld: Hanuman approaches Sita with restraint, humility, and reverence, modeling respectful service.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanuman reaches Sita in the grove and formally greets her while she remains guarded by rākṣasīs.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Hanuman’s humility and disciplined devotion—strength expressed through respectful behavior.