Ramayana — Sundara Kanda, Sarga 10, Shloka 41
रावणान्तःपुरे शयनदर्शनम्
Hanumān Observes Rāvaṇa’s Inner Apartments and Sleeping Court
विपञ्चीं परिगृह्यान्या नियता नृत्तशालिनी।निद्रावशमनुप्राप्ता सह कान्तेव भामिनी।।।।
vipañcīṃ parigṛhyānyā niyatā nṛttaśālinī |
nidrāvaśam anuprāptā saha kānteva bhāminī ||
Seorang lagi—tenang menguasai diri dan mahir seni tari—tidur sambil mendakap vipañcī; seolah-olah kekasih yang tertidur di sisi pasangan tercinta.
Another self-possessed lady, graceful in dance, holding a seven-stringed lute was as though lying asleep with her beloved.
FAQs
The larger ethical point is fidelity to one’s righteous task: Hanumān remains steady in satya and dharma while witnessing scenes of pleasure and sleep.
In Laṅkā’s women’s quarters, Hanumān observes another sleeping performer holding her instrument, described as if sleeping beside her beloved.
Alertness without intrusion—ethical vigilance (apramāda) coupled with respect for boundaries.