Shloka 3.62.13

सीतावियोगे रामविलापः (Rāma’s Lament in Separation from Sītā)

Devanagari script

निवृत्तवनवासश्च जनकं मिथिलाधिपम्।।3.62.13।।कुशलं परिपृच्छन्तं कथं शक्ष्ये निरीक्षितुम्।

Transliteration

nirvīrya iti loko māṃ nirdayaś ceti vakṣyati | kātaratvaṃ prakāśaṃ hi sītāpanayanena me || 3.62.12 ||

Translation

The world will say of me, ‘He is without valor’ and ‘he is without compassion’; for by Sītā’s abduction my cowardice will stand revealed.

Context

After completing the period of my exile when Janaka , king of Mithila, enquires of her welfare how can I face him?

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sītā
• loka (the world/people)

FAQs

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

Kṣātra-dharma: a protector must not allow injustice to stand. Rāma fears that failing to protect Sītā violates his duty and truth before society.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma reflects on the moral and social consequences of Sītā’s abduction—how it will be judged as his failure.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral accountability: Rāma measures himself by the standard of protection and compassion, not by excuses.