Shloka 3.60.20

सीतान्वेषणविलापः (Rama’s Lament and Search for Sita)

Devanagari script

अहो त्वं कर्णिकाराद्य सुपुष्पैश्शोभसे भृशम्।कर्णिकारप्रिया साध्वी शंस दृष्टा प्रिया यदि।।3.60.20।।

Transliteration

aho tvaṁ karṇikārādya supuṣpaiḥ śobhase bhṛśam | karṇikārapriyā sādhvī śaṁsa dṛṣṭā priyā yadi || 3.60.20 ||

Translation

O karnikāra tree—today you shine splendidly with blossoms in full bloom. If you have seen my beloved, that virtuous lady who loves karnikāra flowers, tell me.

Context

O Karnikara tree with flowers in full bloom, tell me if you have seen my faithful beloved who is fond of karnikara flowers.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Maithilī (Sītā, implied as the beloved)
• Karnikāra tree

FAQs

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

Dharma appears as steadfast marital fidelity and responsibility: Rāma’s righteous duty as husband compels him to seek Sītā earnestly, even appealing to nature for truthful guidance.

What is the narrative situation?

After Sītā’s abduction, Rāma wanders in anguish through the forest, questioning trees and creatures as if they could testify truthfully about what they have seen.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s devotion and unwavering commitment (pati-dharma in practice as protective love) is foregrounded—his mind is fixed on recovering Sītā.