Shloka 3.53.15

सीताविलापः रावणनिन्दा च (Sita’s Lament and Condemnation of Ravana)

Devanagari script

न ह्यहं तमपश्यन्ती भर्तारं विबुधोपमम्।।3.53.15।।उत्सहे शत्रुवशगा प्राणान्धारयितुं चिरम्।

Transliteration

na hy ahaṃ tam apaśyantī bhartāraṃ vibudhopamam |

utsahe śatruvaśagā prāṇān dhārayituṃ ciram || 3.53.15 ||

Translation

For I cannot bear to sustain my life for long—held under an enemy’s power—without seeing my husband, who is like a god.

Context

I will not be eager to hold on to my life for long to live at the mercy of the enemy without being able to see my god-like husband.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāma
• Rāvaṇa (as śatru, enemy)

FAQs

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

Truthfulness of commitment (satya) within dharma: Sītā declares unwavering fidelity and rejects life sustained by submission to adharma.

What is the narrative situation?

As she is taken away, Sītā tells Rāvaṇa she cannot endure prolonged captivity away from Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Pativratā-dharma (steadfast marital fidelity) and spiritual resolve: her identity remains anchored in righteousness despite coercion.