Shloka 3.60.15

सीतान्वेषणविलापः (Rama’s Lament and Search for Sita)

Devanagari script

ककुभः ककुभोरूं तां व्यक्तं जानाति मैथिलीम्।यथा पल्लवपुष्पाढ्यो भाति ह्येष वनस्पतिः।।3.60.15।।

Transliteration

athavā 'rjuna śaṃsa tvaṃ priyāṃ tām arjuna-priyām | janakasya sutā bhīruḥ yadi jīvati vā na vā || 3.60.14 ||

Translation

Or else, O Arjuna tree—tell me of that beloved one, herself fond of the arjuna: Janaka’s timid daughter. Does she live, or does she not?

Context

This Kakubha tree rich with tender leaves and flowers (perhaps)knows Maithili whose thighs are beautiful like the trunk of the Kakubha tree.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sītā
• Janaka
• Arjuna tree

FAQs

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

Dharma is the seriousness of marital and protective duty: Rāma frames the crisis in terms of Sītā’s very life, showing that safeguarding the innocent is a paramount obligation.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma, unable to find Sītā, asks the arjuna tree whether she is alive, revealing the depth of his fear after the abduction.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Compassionate protectiveness—he identifies Sītā as ‘bhīru’ (gentle/timid), highlighting his concern for the vulnerable.