Shloka 3.45.38

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

Devanagari script

पिबाम्यहं विषं तीक्ष्णं प्रवेक्ष्यामि हुताशनम्।न त्वहं राघवादन्यं पदापि पुरुषं स्पृशे।।3.45.38।।

Transliteration

saumitre mitrarūpeṇa bhrātus tvam asi śatruvat | yas tvam asyām avasthāyāṁ bhrātaraṁ nābhipatsyase || 3.45.5 ||

Translation

O Saumitrī, though wearing the guise of a friend, you are like an enemy to your brother; for in this crisis you do not go to him to aid him.

Context

I will drink deadly poison or enter fire and die, but will not touch any other man even with my feet.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Lakṣmaṇa (Saumitrī)
• Rāma

FAQs

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

It raises the dharmic expectation of loyalty and timely aid to one’s brother/leader in danger, while also showing how fear can push someone into harsh, ethically questionable speech.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā, alarmed for Rāma’s safety, tries to compel Lakṣmaṇa to leave her and run to Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The verse highlights the ideal of fraternal devotion (expected of Lakṣmaṇa), contrasted with Sītā’s anxious urgency.