Shloka 3.34.16

आरण्यकाण्डे चतुस्त्रिंशः सर्गः — Śūrpaṇakhā Reports to Rāvaṇa; Rāma’s Might and Sītā’s Description

Devanagari script

तप्तकाञ्चनवर्णाभा रक्ततुङ्गनखी शुभा।सीता नाम वरारोहा वैदेही तनुमध्यमा।।।।

Transliteration

tapta-kāñcana-varṇābhā rakta-tuṅga-nakhī śubhā | sītā nāma varārohā vaidehī tanumadhyamā ||

Translation

Auspicious, with the hue of heated gold and with red, raised nails, she is named Sītā—Vaidehī—slender-waisted and of graceful form.

Context

She is Sita, princess of Videha, a virtuous lady of golden complexion, a beautiful lady of slender waist and heavy hips.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Vaidehī (Videha)
• Śūrpaṇakhā
• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

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

The verse foregrounds Sītā’s auspicious identity and rightful lineage; dharma demands honoring such sanctity rather than violating it through desire or coercion.

What is the narrative situation?

Śūrpaṇakhā identifies Sītā explicitly (name and origin), providing Rāvaṇa the personal details that will drive the next turning point of the epic.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s auspiciousness and dignified identity (as Vaidehī), signaling inner worth aligned with dharmic ideals.