Shloka 3.64.10

गोदावरीतटे सीतान्वेषणम् — The Search for Sītā at the Godāvarī

Devanagari script

निराशस्तु तया नद्या सीताया दर्शने कृतः।उवाच रामस्सौमित्रिं सीतादर्शनकर्शितः।।।।

Transliteration

nirāśas tu tayā nadyā sītāyā darśane kṛtaḥ | uvāca rāmaḥ saumitriṃ sītādarśanakarśitaḥ ||

Translation

When the river gave no sign and his hope failed, and worn down by the anguish of not seeing Sita, Rama spoke to Saumitri (Lakshmana).

Context

Disappointed by the river and emaciated by not being able to see Sita, Rama said to Lakshmana :

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Lakshmana (Saumitri)
• Sita
• Godavari (river; implied by context)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is steadfastness in responsibility even under grief: Rāma does not abandon the search, but communicates and acts, transforming personal sorrow into purposeful effort.

What is the narrative situation?

After Sītā’s abduction, Rāma seeks clues in the forest; even the river’s silence deepens his despair, and he turns to Lakṣmaṇa to proceed.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Perseverance and moral focus under suffering—Rāma’s grief does not nullify his duty to recover Sītā.