Shloka 3.60.17

सीतान्वेषणविलापः (Rama’s Lament and Search for Sita)

Devanagari script

अशोक शोकापनुद शोकोपहतचेतसम्।त्वन्नामानं कुरु क्षिप्रं प्रियासन्दर्शनेन माम्।।3.60.17।।

Transliteration

bhramarair upagītaś ca yathā drumavaro hy ayam | eṣa vyaktaṃ vijānāti tilakas tilaka-priyām || 3.60.16 ||

Translation

As this excellent tree is sung around by bees, this Tilaka tree surely knows the lady who delights in a tilaka mark upon her forehead.

Context

O Ashoka tree, dispeller of sorrow, by quickly showing me my darling make me ashoka (free from sorrow) as I am grief-stricken at heart.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sītā
• Tilaka tree
• Bees (bhramara)

FAQs

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

Dharma is truthful remembrance and purity: Sītā is recalled through her auspicious adornment, and Rāma’s search remains anchored in reverence rather than rage.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma addresses the tilaka tree, using the natural scene (bees humming) as a sign of presence and possible ‘knowledge’ of Sītā’s passage.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Reverent love—he remembers Sītā through auspicious, dignified details consistent with her character.