English Commentaries


Hanuman’s reaction on not finding Sita 5.13.5-7

Why did Hanuman not conclude that Sita was not there when he could not find her? (Non-availability is a means of right knowledge) Sampati had said that Sita was taken to Ravana’s residence. Since his word is authority and when she was not found Hanuman wonders, what could be the reason! This was his dilemma. In the 6th sloka, Sita is given many epithets that have significance. ‘Sita’ has the specialty of not being born from a womb. The word ‘atha’ is used to indicate she has many virtues. The epithet Vaidehi indicates that she was born in a sacred special country. The epithet Maithili suggests that she has the speciality of living in a city where fine people of good conduct live. Can Sita, who had all these good qualities, follow the wretched Ravana? It is never possible thought Hanuman.