Shloka 31
हनूमदुपदेशः रावणस्य च कोपः
Hanuman’s Counsel to Ravana and Ravana’s Wrath
कामं खल्वहमप्येकस्सवाजिरथकुञ्जराम्।।।।लङ्कां नाशयितुं शक्तस्तस्यैष तु न निश्चयः।
kāmaṃ khalv aham apy ekaḥ savājirathakuñjarāṃ laṅkāṃ nāśayituṃ śaktaḥ; tasyaiṣa tu na niścayaḥ.
Même seul, je puis en vérité anéantir Laṅkā, foisonnante de chevaux, de chars et d’éléphants ; mais telle n’est pas ma résolution, car je n’en ai point l’ordre.
" Alone, I can destroy this entire Lanka teeming with horses, chariots and elephants. Indeed I have the energy but not the mandate of Sri Rama.
FAQs
Strength must be governed by duty and rightful authorization; even if one can act, dharma requires restraint when the action is not one’s rightful mandate.
Hanuman, having met Sita and revealed himself in Lanka, addresses Ravana with a warning—asserting his power but emphasizing he will not exceed Rama’s mission and command.
Maryādā (discipline within rightful limits) and self-control: Hanuman subordinates personal capability to Rama’s purpose.