Shloka 3.71.23

दनु-शापकथा तथा सीताहरण-प्रश्नः (Danu’s Curse Narrative and Rama’s Inquiry about Sita)

Devanagari script

शोकार्तानामनाथानामेवं विपरिधावताम्।।3.71.23।।कारुण्यं सदृशं कर्तुमुपकारे च वर्तताम्।

Transliteration

śokārtānām anāthānām evaṃ viparidhāvatām | kāruṇyaṃ sadṛśaṃ kartum upakāre ca vartatām ||

Translation

For those stricken by sorrow, left without refuge, and wandering in confusion like this, it is fitting to show compassion and to act in helpful service.

Context

Creatures like you may help those who, like orphans, run here and there, stricken with sorrow.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Danu
• Lakshmana

FAQs

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

Dharma is expressed as compassion-in-action: those capable should aid the grief-stricken and unprotected, turning empathy into concrete assistance.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma appeals for help in his distressed condition, framing assistance as the appropriate response to sufferers who lack refuge.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Karunā (compassion) and upakāra (beneficent help) as active virtues rather than mere sentiment.