Shloka 3.49.24

सीताहरणम् — Ravana reveals his true form and abducts Sita

Devanagari script

हा लक्ष्मण महाबाहो गुरुचित्तप्रसादक।।3.49.24।।ह्रियमाणां न जानीषे रक्षसा माममर्षिणा।

Transliteration

hā lakṣmaṇa mahābāho gurucittaprasādaka | hriyamāṇāṃ na jānīṣe rakṣasā mām amarṣiṇā ||

Translation

“Alas, Lakṣmaṇa, mighty-armed—you who once soothed your elder brother’s heart—do you not know that I am being carried away by this wrathful rākṣasa?”

Context

Alas, O long-armed Lakshmana, you who used to entertain your brother do not know that I am being carried away by this ruthless demon.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Rāvaṇa (rakṣasa)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is protective responsibility within family and society: the cry underscores the expectation that the righteous safeguard the vulnerable when danger arises.

What is the narrative situation?

While being abducted, Sītā calls out to Lakṣmaṇa, lamenting that he does not know what is happening.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Lakṣmaṇa’s service-minded devotion is referenced (“soothing the elder brother’s mind”), highlighting fraternal loyalty as a virtue—even as the moment tragically lacks protection.