Shloka 3.10.21

दशमः सर्गः — Rama’s Vow to Protect the Sages of Daṇḍaka (Dharma of Refuge)

Devanagari script

मम स्नेहाच्च सौहार्दादिदमुक्तंत्वयाऽनघे।परितुष्टोऽस्म्यहं सीते न ह्यनिष्टोऽनुशिष्यते।।।।

Transliteration

apy ahaṁ jīvitaṁ jahyāṁ tvāṁ vā sīte sa-lakṣmaṇām |

na tu pratijñāṁ saṁśrutya brāhmaṇebhyo viśeṣataḥ ||

Translation

O Sita, I might even relinquish my life—or even you together with Lakshmana—but I will not break the vow I have solemnly made, especially to the brāhmaṇas.

Context

O sinless one! all that has been said by you is out of your love and affection for me. I am pleased. What is harmful is never advised.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Sita
• Lakshmana
• brāhmaṇas

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

The inviolability of a vow (pratijñā) grounded in satya: dharma demands that one’s word to the righteous (here, brāhmaṇas/sages) is not negotiable.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama intensifies his commitment before Sita, stating that he would rather lose even life than violate his pledged protection.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Uncompromising integrity—Rama prioritizes truth and duty above personal attachment and even survival.