Shloka 3.9.13

सीताया धर्मोपदेशः—शस्त्रसंयोगदोषकथा (Sita’s Counsel on Dharma and the Peril of Weapon-Association)

Devanagari script

त्वां चैव प्रस्थितं दृष्ट्वा राम चिन्ताकुलं मनः।।3.9.13।।सर्वतचशिन्तय्नत्या मे तव निश्श्रेयसं नृप।न हि मे रोचते वीर गमनं दण्डकान्प्रति।।3.9.14।।कारणं तत्र वक्ष्यामि वदन्त्याश्श्रूयतां मम।

Transliteration

tvāṃ caiva prasthitaṃ dṛṣṭvā rāma cintākulaṃ manaḥ ||3.9.13||

sarvataś cintayantyā me tava niḥśreyasaṃ nṛpa |

na hi me rocate vīra gamanaṃ daṇḍakān prati ||3.9.14||

kāraṇaṃ tatra vakṣyāmi vadantyāḥ śrūyatāṃ mama |

Translation

Seeing you set out, O Rāma, my mind is filled with anxiety; thinking on every side for your highest welfare, O king, I do not approve, O hero, of your going toward Daṇḍaka. I will state the reason for this—please listen to what I say.

Context

O brave Rama, I do not like your going to Dandaka forest. I shall tell you the reason. Do listen.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāma
• Daṇḍaka (Daṇḍakāraṇya)

FAQs

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

Dharma is guided by reasoned counsel and restraint: even a righteous mission must be assessed for unintended consequences, and advice should be offered respectfully.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā openly states her objection to Rāma’s proposed movement toward Daṇḍaka and asks him to hear her rationale.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s moral courage and clarity—she speaks frankly yet courteously, prioritizing Rāma’s welfare (niḥśreyasa).