Shloka 3
सीताव्यथा
वर्णनम् / Sītā’s Distress and Rāvaṇa’s Attempt at Coercive Allurement
आच्छाद्योदरमूरुभ्यां बाहुभ्यां च पयोधरौ।उपविष्टा विशालाक्षी रुदन्ती वरवर्णिनी।।।।
ācchādyodaramūrubhyāṃ bāhubhyāṃ ca payodharau |
upaviṣṭā viśālākṣī rudantī varavarṇinī ||
Sītā, großäugig und von heller Schönheit, saß dort weinend und bedeckte mit ihren Armen Bauch und Schenkel, ebenso ihre Brust.
She was lovely even with a single braid of unkempt hair like the earth with a single row of dark trees covering its surface at the end of the rainy season.
FAQs
Even in extreme distress, Sītā’s modesty and self-restraint are preserved; this reflects dharma as inner discipline and dignity that do not collapse under suffering.
Sītā is shown seated in captivity (Aśoka-vana context), crying—an image that prepares for Rāvaṇa’s approach and coercion.
Śīla and lajjā (modesty/dignity), along with steadfast endurance in adversity.