Srimad Valmiki Ramayana

This verse, part of the condensed Rāmāyaṇa narrative in the first Sarga of the Bālakāṇḍa, describes the incredible valor of Śrī Hanumān. Following the destruction of the archway in the previous verse, Śrī Hanumān launched an open challenge to Rāvaṇa's forces. The phrase pañca sena agragān hatvā sapta mantri sutān api indicates the heavy damage inflicted on the Laṅkan army by him alone. He systematically destroyed Rāvaṇa's five chief commanders and the seven sons of his powerful ministers. Furthermore, śūram Akṣam ca niṣpiṣya—he crushed the valiant Akṣa Kumāra, one of Rāvaṇa's formidable sons. These acts confirm his invincible power. Despite this overwhelming success, grahaṇam samupāgamat—he voluntarily submitted to captivity (by Meghanāda). This capture was not due to any lack of strength, but a strategic move planned by Śrī Hanumān to gain a direct audience with Rāvaṇa and assess his power and court. This incident underscores Śrī Hanumān's calculated approach, demonstrating not just physical might but also supreme strategic intelligence and warriorship.