Shloka 3.45.1

सीतया लक्ष्मणप्रेषणम् — Sita urges Lakshmana to seek Rama (The crisis of the ‘distressed voice’)

Devanagari script

आर्तस्वरं तु तं भर्तुर्विज्ञाय सदृशं वने।उवाच लक्ष्मणं सीता गच्छ जीनीहि राघवम्।।3.45.1।।

Transliteration

ārtasvaraṁ tu taṁ bhartur vijñāya sadṛśaṁ vane | uvāca lakṣmaṇaṁ sītā gaccha jānīhi rāghavam ||3.45.1||

Translation

Hearing in the forest a cry of distress that sounded like her husband’s voice, Sītā said to Lakṣmaṇa, “Go—find out what has happened to Rāghava (Rāma).”

Context

On hearing the voice in distress and recognising that it was similar to her husband's voice, Sita said to Lakshmana, 'Go and find out Rama's whereabouts'.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Rāma (Rāghava)
• forest (vana)

FAQs

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

The verse foregrounds spousal concern and responsibility: upon sensing possible danger to Rāma, Sītā urges immediate action to ascertain the truth and render help, reflecting a dharmic impulse to respond to suffering and protect loved ones.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā hears a distress-cry resembling Rāma’s voice in the forest (a deceptive cry associated with the golden deer episode) and instructs Lakṣmaṇa to go investigate Rāma’s condition.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s devoted attentiveness and urgency—her sensitivity to Rāma’s welfare and readiness to act when she believes he may be in danger.