Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 29, Shloka 18
सीताया वनगमननिश्चयः
Sita’s Resolve to Accompany Rama to the Forest
प्रेत्यभावे हि कल्याण स्सङ्गमो मे सह त्वया। श्रुतिर्हि श्रूयते पुण्या ब्राह्मणानां यशस्विनाम्।।2.29.17।।इहलोके च पितृभिर्या स्त्री यस्य महामते। अद्भिर्दत्ता स्वधर्मेण प्रेत्यभावेऽपि तस्य सा।।2.29.18।।
ihaloke ca pitṛbhir yā strī yasya mahāmate | adbhir dattā svadharmeṇa pretyabhāve 'pi tasya sā ||2.29.18||
And in this very world, O great-minded one, the woman whom a man’s parents give to him—according to customary dharma, with the ritual gift of water—belongs to him even after death.
Why don't you want to take to the forest your own wife who is loyal and devoted, and is of good conduct.
FAQs
It underscores the sacramental nature of marriage (saṃskāra): a wife is joined through dharmic ritual, implying enduring mutual obligation—especially the duty of shared life-journey and protection.
Sītā supports her request to accompany Rāma into exile by citing the permanence of the marital bond established through ritual tradition.
Sītā’s moral reasoning and fidelity: she argues from śāstric-social norms rather than fear, insisting on rightful companionship.