Shloka 3.52.36

सीताहरण-विलापः / The Lament at Jatāyu and the Abduction of Sītā

Devanagari script

समन्तादभिसम्पत्य सिंहव्याघ्रमृगद्विजाः।अन्वधावंस्तदा रोषात्सीतां छायानुगामिनः।।।।

Transliteration

samantād abhisampatya siṃha-vyāghra-mṛga-dvijāḥ |

anvadhāvaṃs tadā roṣāt sītāṃ chāyānugāminaḥ ||

Translation

Then, converging from every side, lions, tigers, deer, and birds—stirred by wrath—ran after Sītā, following only her shadow.

Context

Then the lions, tigers, deer and birds gathered together in anger (also anguish) and ran after Sita's shadow.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• siṃha (lion)
• vyāghra (tiger)
• mṛga (deer)
• dvija (birds)
• chāyā (shadow)

FAQs

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

Dharma is portrayed as protective solidarity: even wild creatures are moved to oppose wrongdoing, suggesting that adharma provokes resistance across the moral cosmos.

What is the narrative situation?

As Rāvaṇa speeds away with Sītā, the forest animals and birds rush after her, unable to reach her body and thus chasing her shadow.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s worthiness of protection—her innocence evokes guardianship and righteous anger in others.