Shloka 3.61.10
सीतान्वेषणारम्भः — The Search for Sita Begins
विवशं शोकसन्तप्तं दीनं भग्नमनोरथम्।।3.61.9।।मामिहोत्सृज्य करुणं कीर्तिर्नरमिवानृजुम्।क्व गच्छसि वरारोहे मां नोत्सृज सुमध्यमे।।3.61.10।।त्वया विरहितश्चाहं मोक्ष्ये जीवितमात्मनः।
mām ihotsṛjya karuṇaṃ kīrtir naram ivānṛjum |
kva gacchasi varārohe māṃ notsṛja sumadhyame || 3.61.10 ||
tvayā virahitaś cāhaṃ mokṣye jīvitam ātmanaḥ |
“Where do you go, O fair-hipped one, leaving me here in misery—like fame abandoning a crooked man? O slender-waisted lady, do not forsake me. Separated from you, I shall give up my life.”
O lovely lady where have you gone, leaving me here like fame deserting a crook? I am helpless griefstricken, pitiable, pathetic and disappointed. O lady of slender waist, leave me not. Separated from you, I will give up my life.
The verse frames dharma as unwavering marital commitment: Rāma’s truth is that life and purpose feel untenable without the righteous bond he shares with Sītā.
Rāma calls out to the missing Sītā, speaking as though she could hear him, expressing abandonment and despair.
Single-hearted devotion (ananyatā) and integrity in relationship—Rāma’s identity as husband is central and uncompromised.