Shloka 3.58.17

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

Devanagari script

अहोऽस्मिन् व्यसने मग्नस्सर्वथा शत्रुसूदन।किं न्विदानीं करिष्यामि शङ्के प्राप्तव्यमीदृशम्।।।।

Transliteration

śrutas tu śaṅke vaidehyā sa svaraḥ sadṛśo mama |

trastayā preṣitas tvaṃ ca draṣṭuṃ māṃ śīghram āgataḥ ||

Translation

I suspect Vaidehī heard a voice resembling mine; frightened, she sent you to look for me, and you came quickly.

Context

O destroyer of enemies ! I am completely drowned in sorrow. What can I do at this moment. Alas, I am destined to suffer.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Sita (Vaidehi)
• Lakshmana

FAQs

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

Dharma balances compassion with discernment: fear can drive hasty action, but righteous conduct requires verifying truth (satya) before abandoning one’s protective post.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama reconstructs events: Sītā, alarmed by a voice like Rama’s, urged Lakṣmaṇa to go; Lakṣmaṇa complied and returned to Rama.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rama’s reasoned judgment (viveka) under distress, seeking truth behind appearances.