Ramayana — Sundara Kanda, Sarga 34, Shloka 11
सीताहनूमद्भाषणम्
Sita Tests the Messenger; Hanuman Offers Reassurance
तामशोकस्य शाखां सा विमुक्त्वा शोककर्शिता।तस्यामेवानवद्याङ्गी धरण्यां समुपाविशत्।।।।
tām aśokasya śākhāṃ sā vimuktvā śoka-karśitā |
tasyām evānavadyāṅgī dharaṇyāṃ samupāviśat ||
Sītā—her body worn by sorrow—released that branch of the Aśoka tree; the flawless-limbed lady sat down on the ground there.
So saying Sita of flawless limbs, emaciated with grief, left the branch of Ashoka tree held by her and squatted on the ground.
FAQs
The verse highlights endurance under adversity—bearing suffering without abandoning righteousness, a quiet form of dharma.
After suspecting deception, Sītā physically withdraws—letting go of the branch and sitting down—showing exhaustion and guardedness.
Sītā’s forbearance (kṣamā/titikṣā) amid prolonged distress.