Shloka 3.60.13

सीतान्वेषणविलापः (Rama’s Lament and Search for Sita)

Devanagari script

स्निग्धपल्लवसङ्काशा पीतकौशेयवासिनी।शंसस्व यदि वा दृष्टा बिल्व बिल्वोपमस्तनी।।3.60.13।।

Transliteration

api kācit tvayā dṛṣṭā sā kadamba-priyā priyā | kadamba yadi jānīṣe śaṃsa sītāṃ śubhānanām || 3.60.12 ||

Translation

O Kadamba tree, have you seen my beloved, she who delights in kadamba blossoms? If you know, tell me of Sītā, the fair and auspicious-faced one.

Context

O Bilva tree, tell me if you have seen a lady delicate like your tender leaf, dressed in yellow silk, a lady whose breasts are round like Bilva fruits.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sītā
• Kadamba tree

FAQs

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

Dharma appears as truth-seeking and reverent inquiry: Rāma seeks truthful knowledge by questioning even nature, treating the world as morally responsive and witness to right and wrong.

What is the narrative situation?

In his search, Rāma addresses forest trees as though they could testify to Sītā’s path after the abduction.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Single-minded fidelity—Rāma’s mind is fixed on Sītā alone, remembering her tastes and traits while searching.