Ramayana — Sundara Kanda, Sarga 16, Shloka 31
षोडशः सर्गः (Sarga 16): Hanumān’s Recognition of Sītā and Renewed Lament
अस्या हि पुष्पावनताग्रशाखाः शोकं दृढं वै जनयन्त्यशोकाः।हिमव्यपायेन च शीतरश्मि रभ्युत्थितो नैकसहस्ररश्मि:।।5.16.31।।
asyā hi puṣpāvanatāgraśākhāḥ śokaṃ dṛḍhaṃ vai janayanty aśokāḥ |
himavyapāyena ca śītaraśmir abhyutthito naikasahasraraśmiḥ ||5.16.31||
For her, the aśoka trees—whose tips bend under the weight of blossoms—only produce firm sorrow; and when winter has passed, even the cool-rayed moon and the many-thousand-rayed sun rising intensify it.
"Just as river Ganga is not agitated by the rain-bearing clouds, this Sita is not perturbed as she is aware of the prowess of Rama and might of Lakshmana.
FAQs
It teaches sensitivity toward suffering: even pleasant surroundings can deepen grief for the afflicted; dharma requires attentive care, not superficial consolation.
Hanuman observes the blossoming Aśoka grove and the seasonal beauty, noting that these ordinarily joyful signs only sharpen Sītā’s sorrow in separation.
Sītā’s unwavering emotional truth (satya of feeling) in love and separation; she does not feign ease amid pain.