Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 26, Shloka 4
अयोध्याकाण्डे षड्विंशः सर्गः
Rama’s Departure and Sita’s Questions; Disclosure of Exile and Counsel on Courtly Conduct
देवकार्यं स्वयं कृत्वा कृतज्ञा हृष्टचेतना।अभिज्ञा राजधर्माणां राजपुत्रं प्रतीक्षते।।।।
devakāryaṃ svayaṃ kṛtvā kṛtajñā hṛṣṭacetanā |
abhijñā rājadharmāṇāṃ rājaputraṃ pratīkṣate ||
Having herself completed the worship due to the gods, Sītā—grateful and joyful at heart, and well-versed in royal duties—waited for the prince’s arrival.
You should give importance to duty(dharma) and show respect to my aged mother who is emaciated due to grief.
FAQs
Dharma is shown as disciplined observance of one’s ordained duties—here, Sītā’s conscientious performance of sacred rites and her competence in royal conduct.
Before the difficult developments unfold, Sītā is depicted in the palace after completing worship, awaiting Rāma’s return.
Sītā’s devotion and propriety—gratitude, inner composure, and readiness to uphold the responsibilities of royal life.