Shloka 3.49.32

सीताहरणम् — Ravana reveals his true form and abducts Sita

Devanagari script

हंसकारण्डवाकीर्णां वन्दे गोदावरीं नदीम्।।3.49.32।।क्षिप्रं रामाय शंस त्वं सीतां हरति रावणः।

Transliteration

haṁsakāraṇḍavākīrṇāṁ vande godāvarīṁ nadīm || 3.49.32 || kṣipraṁ rāmāya śaṁsa tvaṁ sītāṁ harati rāvaṇaḥ |

Translation

I bow to the river Godāvarī, filled with swans and kāraṇḍava birds. Quickly tell Rāma: ‘Rāvaṇa is carrying Sītā away.’

Context

O river Godavari abounding in swans and cranes, my salutations to you ! Tell Rama immediately that Ravana is taking away Sita.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāma
• Rāvaṇa
• Godāvarī
• Haṁsa (swans)
• Kāraṇḍava (water-birds)

FAQs

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

Truth must be carried to those responsible for protection; dharma is served when witnesses help reveal wrongdoing.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā appeals to the Godāvarī river to convey the fact of her abduction to Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Hope anchored in satya: Sītā insists the truth be known, trusting righteous action will follow.