Shloka 3.61.1

सीतान्वेषणारम्भः — The Search for Sita Begins

Devanagari script

दृष्ट्वाश्रमपदं शून्यं रामो दशरथात्मजः।रहितां पर्णशालां च विध्वस्तान्यासनानि च।।।।अदृष्ट्वा तत्र वैदेहीं सन्निरीक्ष्य च सर्वशः।उवाच रामः प्राक्रुश्य प्रगृह्य रुचिरौ भुजौ।।।।

Transliteration

dṛṣṭvāśramapadaṃ śūnyaṃ rāmo daśarathātmajaḥ |

rahitāṃ parṇaśālāṃ ca vidhvastāny āsanāni ca ||

adṛṣṭvā tatra vaidehīṃ sannirīkṣya ca sarvaśaḥ |

uvāca rāmaḥ prākruśya pragṛhya rucirau bhujau ||

Translation

Seeing the hermitage-ground empty, the leaf-cottage bereft of Sītā, and the seats thrown into disorder, Rāma—son of Daśaratha—searched everywhere; and when he did not find Vaidehī there, he cried aloud, raising his lovely arms, and spoke.

Context

Rama, son of Dasaratha, saw the empty cottage devoid of Sita. The mats were displaced. He searched everywhere but unable to see Vaidehi lifted his lovely arms and said:

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Daśaratha
• Sītā (Vaidehī)
• parṇaśālā (leaf-cottage)
• āśrama (hermitage)

FAQs

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

Dharma is expressed as truthful recognition of reality and immediate responsibility: Rāma investigates carefully (not carelessly), then openly voices the crisis to mobilize action.

What is the narrative situation?

Transition into Sarga 61: Rāma confirms Sītā is not present and begins his outcry and lament.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Diligence and sincerity—Rāma searches thoroughly before speaking, showing disciplined response under shock.