Shloka 3.9.4

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

Devanagari script

मिथ्यावाक्यं न ते भूतं न भविष्यति राघव।।3.9.4।।कुतोऽभिलाषणं स्त्रीणां परेषां धर्मनाशनम्।

Transliteration

nityaṃ śucimatiḥ saumya cara dharmaṃ tapovane |

sarvaṃ hi viditaṃ tubhyaṃ trailokyam api tattvataḥ ||

Translation

O gentle one, ever move through this forest of austerity with a pure mind, abiding in dharma; for to you, indeed, all things—even the three worlds—are known in their true nature.

Context

O Rama! you never spoke untruth in the past nor will you speak in future. How can there be any desire in you to destroy the virtue of others' wives ?

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāma
• tapovana (forest of ascetics)
• trailokya (three worlds)
• dharma

FAQs

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

Purity of mind is essential to dharma; right conduct in a sacred setting (tapovana) must be grounded in inner cleanliness and restraint.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā urges Rāma to align his conduct with the ascetic forest environment and his own deep understanding, rather than act from agitation or force.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Serenity and wisdom—acting from clear knowledge (tattva-jñāna) and a non-impulsive mind.