Shloka 3.52.8

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

Devanagari script

तां लतामिव वेष्टन्तीमालिङ्गन्तीं महाद्रुमान्।मुञ्च मुञ्चेति बहुशः प्रवदन्राक्षसाधिपः।।3.52.7।।क्रोशन्तीं राम रामेति रामेण रहितां वने।जीवितान्ताय केशेषु जग्राहान्तकसन्निभः।।3.52.8।।

Transliteration

krośantīṃ rāma rām eti rāmeṇa rahitāṃ vane |

jīvitāntāya keśeṣu jagrāha antakasannibhaḥ || 3.52.8 ||

Translation

Crying again and again, “Rāma! Rāma!”, alone in the forest without Rāma, she was seized by the hair by one who seemed like Death itself—an act that would bring about his own end.

Context

Separated from Rama in the forest, Sita hugged huge trees, running round and round like a creeper coiled, crying loudly, 'Rama, O Rama' . The king of the demons, like Yama, caught hold of her hair only to invite his death, all the time saying, Leave it, Leave it (Leave the tree).

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāma
• Rāvaṇa (implied as abductor from continuity)
• Antaka/Yama (Death, as simile)
• vana (forest)

FAQs

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

Dharma condemns violation and force. The verse also suggests moral causality: adharma invites destruction—Rāvaṇa’s violent act is portrayed as leading to his own end.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā cries out for Rāma while being physically overpowered; the abductor grabs her by the hair to complete the kidnapping.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s unwavering devotion and truthfulness of heart (satya in love and loyalty): even in terror she calls only upon Rāma.