Shloka 23
सम्पातिवाक्यम्
Sampāti’s Counsel and the Revelation of Laṅkā
तस्यां वसति वैदेही दीना कौशेयवासिनी।।4.58.22।।रावणान्तःपुरे रुद्धा राक्षसीभिस्सुरक्षिता।जनकस्यात्मजां राज्ञस्तत्र द्रक्ष्यथ मैथिलीम्।।4.58.23।।
tasyāṃ vasati vaidehī dīnā kauśeya-vāsinī || 4.58.22 ||
rāvaṇāntaḥpure ruddhā rākṣasībhiḥ su-rakṣitā |
janakasyātmajāṃ rājñas tatra drakṣyatha maithilīm || 4.58.23 ||
Dort lebt Vaidehī, niedergeschlagen und in Seide gekleidet, eingeschlossen in Rāvaṇas innerem Palast und streng bewacht von Rākṣasī-Frauen. Dort werdet ihr Maithilī erblicken, die königliche Tochter des Königs Janaka.
'You will see in the city of Lanka, the princess from Videha, daughter of Janaka, a picture of dejection, robed in silk, confined in the harem of Ravana, wellprotected by demonesses.
FAQs
The verse highlights adharma as unlawful confinement of the innocent; dharma demands protection and restoration of the wronged—motivating the rescue mission grounded in truth (satya) and justice.
Sampāti informs the vānara searchers that Sītā is alive in Laṅkā, imprisoned in Rāvaṇa’s inner quarters under heavy guard.
Perseverance in righteous duty: the searchers are given certainty and direction, strengthening their resolve to continue a dharmic task despite danger.