Shloka 3.64.22

गोदावरीतटे सीतान्वेषणम् — The Search for Sītā at the Godāvarī

Devanagari script

क्व सितेति त्वया पृष्टा यथेमे सहसोत्थिताः।।3.64.21।।दर्शयन्ति क्षितिं चैव दक्षिणां च दिशं मृगाः।साधु गच्छावहे देव दिशमेतां हि नैऋतिम्।।3.64.22।।यदि स्यादागमः कश्चिदार्या वा साऽथ लक्ष्यते।

Transliteration

kva site iti tvayā pṛṣṭā yathā ime sahasotthitāḥ | darśayanti kṣitiṃ caiva dakṣiṇāṃ ca diśaṃ mṛgāḥ | sādhu gacchāvahe deva diśam etāṃ hi naiṛtim | yadi syād āgamaḥ kaścid āryā vā sā ’tha lakṣyate ||

Translation

When you asked, “Where is Sītā?”, these deer sprang up at once and point to the ground and to the southern direction. Therefore, my lord, let us go toward the south‑western quarter; perhaps some sign will appear, or that noble lady may be found.

Context

O lord these deer are indicating the land on the southern side.Therefore it will be proper for both of us to proceed in the southwestern direction. Maybe we will get some clue or find that noble Sita.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Rāma
• mṛga (deer)
• naiṛti diś (south-west direction)

FAQs

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

Dharma is shown as perseverance guided by reason: even in grief, one acts methodically, seeking truthful signs and following the most fitting path.

What is the narrative situation?

This verse duplicates the counsel about the deer’s indication and the south‑western route (a Southern Recension presentation), reinforcing the decision to move in that direction.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Lakṣmaṇa’s reliability and clarity in counsel under pressure.