Shloka 3.59.17

अरण्यकाण्डे एकोनषष्टितमः सर्गः — Maricha’s Mimic Cry and the Rama–Lakshmana–Sita Confrontation

Devanagari script

भावो मयि तवात्यर्थं पाप एव निवेशितः।विनष्टे भ्रातरि प्राप्तुं न च त्वं मामवाप्स्यसि।।।।

Transliteration

bhāvo mayi tavātyarthaṃ pāpa eva niveśitaḥ | vinaṣṭe bhrātari prāptuṃ na ca tvaṃ mām avāpsyasi ||

Translation

Your intention toward me is utterly sinful—set on taking me when your brother is destroyed; yet you shall not obtain me.

Context

'You have an extremely sinful intention of getting me when your brother is dead. But you will not be able to gain me.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā (Vaidehī)
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Rāma (implied as 'brother')

FAQs

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

Dharma warns against false accusation and harsh judgment; even when safeguarding personal virtue, one must speak truthfully and avoid condemning the innocent.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā, distressed, wrongly suspects Lakṣmaṇa of harboring immoral desire and speaks accusingly.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s unwavering claim to fidelity is foregrounded, though expressed through a mistaken and ethically problematic accusation.