Shloka 3.58.16

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

Devanagari script

दुःखिताः खरघातेन राक्षसाः पिशिताशनाः।तैस्सीता निहता घोरैर्भविष्यति न संशयः।।।

Transliteration

sarvadā rakṣasā tena jihmena sudurātmanā |

vadatā lakṣmaṇety uccais tavāpi janitaṃ bhayam ||

Translation

That crooked, utterly wicked rākṣasa, loudly crying “Lakṣmaṇa!”, must surely have stirred fear even in you.

Context

The dreadful, carnivorous demons aggrieved over my murder of Khara must have undoubtedly killed Sita.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Lakshmana
• Rakshasa (unnamed demon; contextually Maricha’s deceptive cry)

FAQs

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

Dharma requires discernment: evil often uses false appearances and emotional manipulation; one must not abandon duty (protection of Sītā) due to deceptive signals.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama infers that a demon imitated or used a cry involving Lakṣmaṇa’s name, which alarmed Sītā and compelled Lakṣmaṇa to leave her.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rama’s clarity in diagnosing adharma (deceit) and his insistence on steadfastness in assigned duty.