Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 37, Shloka 20
अयोध्याकाण्डे सर्गः ३७ — चीरधारणं, सीतासंकल्पः, वसिष्ठोपदेशः
Bark-Robe Episode and Vasistha’s Admonition
तासामेवंविधा वाच शृण्वन् दशरथात्मजः।बबन्धैव तदा चीरं सीतया तुल्यशीलया।।2.37.20।।
tāsām evaṁvidhā vācaḥ śṛṇvan daśarathātmajaḥ | babandhaiva tadā cīraṁ sītayā tulyaśīlayā || 2.37.20 ||
Even while listening to such words from them, Dasharatha’s son then fastened the bark garment on Sita—his equal in character.
While Rama was listening to such words uttered by them, he got the bark robes fastened round Sita who was of similar nature.
FAQs
Dharma is upheld through unwavering resolve: Rama proceeds with the chosen course, recognizing Sita’s equal commitment to the same righteous path.
Despite the women’s emotional appeals, Rama continues and completes the act of dressing Sita for forest life.
Sāmya (equality in virtue) between Rama and Sita—mutual steadfastness and shared moral disposition.