Shloka 3.60.31

सीतान्वेषणविलापः (Rama’s Lament and Search for Sita)

Devanagari script

नूनं तच्छुभदन्तोष्ठं सुनासं चारुकुण्डलम्।पूर्णचन्द्रनिभं ग्रस्तं मुखंनिष्प्रभतां गतम्।।3.60.31।।

Transliteration

nūnaṃ tacchubhadantoṣṭhaṃ sunāsaṃ cārukuṇḍalam | pūrṇacandranibhaṃ grastaṃ mukhaṃ niṣprabhatāṃ gatam || 3.60.31 ||

Translation

Surely, that face—graced with lovely teeth and lips, a well-shaped nose, and beautiful earrings, radiant like the full moon—has been ‘eclipsed’ and robbed of its luster.

Context

Her beautiful face with her sparkling teeth and lips, well-shaped nose, shining ear-rings has been like the full moon, eclipsed and rendered pale.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sītā
• Lakṣmaṇa
• pūrṇacandra (full moon metaphor)

FAQs

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

Dharma is expressed through reverence for the beloved’s dignity: even in despair, Rāma speaks of Sītā with honor and tenderness, reflecting righteous love rather than possessiveness.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma continues imagining Sītā’s death, describing her face as if its radiance has been extinguished.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Compassionate fidelity—his grief is intertwined with deep appreciation of Sītā’s personhood and virtue.