Shloka 3.58.18

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

Devanagari script

इति सीतां वरारोहां चिन्तयन्नेव राघवः।आजगाम जनस्थानं त्वरया सह लक्ष्मणः।।।।

Transliteration

sarvathā tu kṛtaṃ kaṣṭaṃ sītām utsṛjatā vane |

pratikartuṃ nṛśaṃsānāṃ rakṣasāṃ dattam antaraṃ ||

Translation

A grave wrong has been done by leaving Sītā alone in the forest; it has given the pitiless rākṣasas the opening they sought for retaliation.

Context

While thus brooding over the beautiful Sita, the scion of the Raghus along with Lakshmana hurried towards Janasthana.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Lakshmana
• Sita
• Rakshasas

FAQs

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

Protective duty (rakṣaṇa-dharma): negligence creates conditions for harm. Dharma is not only intention but also prudent action that prevents foreseeable danger.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama rebukes Lakṣmaṇa for leaving Sītā unguarded, recognizing that enemies (rākṣasas) would exploit the lapse.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rama’s insistence on responsibility and foresight—ethical action must anticipate risks to the vulnerable.