Shloka 3.64.8

गोदावरीतटे सीतान्वेषणम् — The Search for Sītā at the Godāvarī

Devanagari script

ततः प्रचोदिता भूतैश्शंसास्मैतां प्रियामिति।न तु साभ्यवदतसितां पृष्टा रामेण शोचता।।।।

Transliteration

tataḥ pracoditā bhūtaiḥ śaṃsāsmā etāṃ priyām iti |

na tu sābhyavadat sītāṃ pṛṣṭā rāmeṇa śocatā ||

Translation

Then, though urged by the beings of nature—“Tell him of his beloved!”—the river, questioned by grieving Rāma, did not speak of Sītā.

Context

River Godavari (although) prompted by creatures (of Nature) to tell him about his beloved did not respond to brooding Rama.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sītā
• bhūta (beings/creatures of nature)
• Godāvarī (implied by context as the river)

FAQs

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

It shows how fear can suppress truth (satya); dharma values truthful guidance, yet the verse realistically portrays how intimidation in the world can silence even those who know.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma searches for Sītā and questions the river; though nature’s beings prompt the river to respond, it remains silent.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s steadfast love and urgency are foregrounded; his grief-driven persistence in seeking truth is evident even when the world does not answer.