Shloka 21
रावणान्तःपुरे शयनदर्शनम्
Hanumān Observes Rāvaṇa’s Inner Apartments and Sleeping Court
ददर्श स कपिस्तत्र बाहू शयनसंस्थितौ।मन्दरस्यांतरे सुप्तौ महाही रुषिताविव।।।।
dadarśa sa kapis tatra bāhū śayanasaṃsthitau |
mandarasyāntare suptau mahāhī ruṣitāv iva ||
तेथे त्या कपिने शय्येवर विसावलेल्या दोन भुजा पाहिल्या—जणू मंदर पर्वताच्या गुहेत झोपलेल्या दोन महा-सर्प, निद्रेतही रुष्ट भासणाऱ्या।
The vanara, gazed at the arms of Ravana placed on the couch that appeared like two angry snakes asleep in a cave on (the lap) of mount Mandara.
FAQs
Dharma includes prudent assessment of danger. The imagery teaches that a righteous agent does not act rashly; he observes, measures risk, and proceeds with disciplined intelligence.
Hanumān visually examines Rāvaṇa’s limbs as the demon-king sleeps, noting their terrifying appearance through vivid similes.
Strategic caution combined with courage—Hanumān’s capacity to stay composed in the enemy’s inner sanctum.