Shloka 3.47.24

सीतारावणसंवादः — Ravana Reveals Himself; Sita Affirms Rama’s Dharma

Devanagari script

स त्वं नाम च गोत्रञ्च कुलं चाचक्ष्व तत्त्वतः।एकश्च दण्डकारण्ये किमर्थं चरसि द्विज।।3.47.24।।

Transliteration

sa tvaṃ nāma ca gotraṃ ca kulaṃ cācakṣva tattvataḥ | ekaś ca daṇḍakāraṇye kimarthaṃ carasi dvija ||

Translation

Therefore, O brahmin, tell me truthfully your name, your gotra, your lineage and family; and for what purpose do you roam all alone in this Daṇḍaka forest?

Context

O brahmin, tell me your name, your gotra and your pedigree. And the purpose for which you are going about all alone in this Dandaka forest

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Daṇḍakāraṇya (Dandaka forest)
• Rāvaṇa (implicit, as the addressed 'dvija')

FAQs

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

Satya and discernment: Sītā requests truthful identity and purpose, reflecting dharmic caution—proper conduct includes verifying claims, especially in vulnerable settings.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā, sensing something unusual, asks the lone ‘brahmin’ to state his identity and why he is alone in the forest.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s prudence and commitment to truth-seeking (tattvataḥ), aligned with righteous social etiquette.