Shloka 3.58.13

सीतावियोगे रामस्य विलापः — Rama’s Lament and Inquiry on Sita’s Disappearance

Devanagari script

सर्वदा रक्षसा तेन जिह्मेन सुदुरात्मना।वदता लक्ष्मणेत्युच्चैस्तवापि जनितं भयम्।।।।

Transliteration

prasthitaṃ daṇḍakāraṇyaṃ yā māmanujagāma ha |

kva sā lakṣmaṇa vaidehī yāṃ hitvā tvam ihāgataḥ ||

Translation

Where is that Vaidehī who followed me into the Daṇḍaka forest? O Lakṣmaṇa, why have you come here after leaving her behind?

Context

The evil-minded, wicked demon calling out loudly 'O Lakshmana' must have by all means instilled fear in your mind.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Lakshmana
• Sita (Vaidehi)
• Dandaka forest (Daṇḍakāraṇya)

FAQs

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

Accountability in duty: Rama immediately questions the breach of protective responsibility toward Sītā, implying that dharma requires vigilance and faithful guardianship of those entrusted to one’s care.

What is the narrative situation?

Lakṣmaṇa returns to Rama (having been drawn away from Sītā). Rama, not seeing Sītā with him, urgently asks where she is and why Lakṣmaṇa came alone.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rama’s steadfast commitment to Sītā (patnī-dharma) and his insistence on right conduct and responsibility in crisis.