Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 37, Shloka 13
अयोध्याकाण्डे सर्गः ३७ — चीरधारणं, सीतासंकल्पः, वसिष्ठोपदेशः
Bark-Robe Episode and Vasistha’s Admonition
कृत्वा कण्ठे च सा चीरमेकमादाय पाणिना।तस्थौ ह्यकुशला तत्र व्रीडिता जनकात्मजा।।2.37.13।।
kṛtvā kaṇṭhe ca sā cīram ekam ādāya pāṇinā | tasthau hy akuśalā tatra vrīḍitā janakātmajā || 2.37.13 ||
Janaka’s daughter, Sita, placed one end of the bark-cloth at her neck and held the other in her hand; unaccustomed to such garb, she stood there, ashamed and uncertain what to do next.
Rama, foremost among protectors of righteousness, came forward quickly and fastened the bark himself over her silk garment.
FAQs
Dharma here highlights dignified acceptance of hardship: Sita attempts to adopt ascetic signs despite being untrained, showing commitment to righteous companionship.
Sita is being given bark garments for forest life; she is unfamiliar with how to wear them and pauses in modest embarrassment.
Lajjā (modesty) and resolve—Sita’s modest demeanor alongside her readiness to share Rama’s dharmic path.