Shloka 2.117.20

अत्र्याश्रमगमनम् तथा अनसूयोपदेशः (Arrival at Atri’s Hermitage and Anasuya’s Counsel)

Devanagari script

ततस्सीतां महाभागां दृष्ट्वा तां धर्मचारिणीम्।सान्त्वयन्त्यब्रवीद्धृष्टा दिष्ट्या धर्ममवेक्षसे।।।।

Transliteration

tataḥ sītāṃ mahābhāgāṃ dṛṣṭvā tāṃ dharmacāriṇīm |

sāntvayanty abravīd dhṛṣṭā diṣṭyā dharmam avekṣase ||

Translation

Then Anasūyā, delighted on seeing the illustrious Sītā, steadfast in righteous conduct, spoke to her with consoling words: “Blessed indeed are you—you are keeping to dharma.”

Context

Anasuya was delighted to see the glorious Sita who was always engaged in righteous acts and said in kind words, You are fortunate. You are observing your rightful duty.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Anasūyā
• Dharma

FAQs

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

Dharma is presented as conscious moral steadfastness—Sītā is praised for actively ‘observing’ and upholding righteous duty in difficult circumstances.

What is the narrative situation?

Anasūyā meets Sītā in the forest and, seeing her conduct, comforts and commends her commitment to dharma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s dharma-niṣṭhā (firm commitment to righteousness) and inner steadiness under hardship.