Shloka 2.118.1

अनसूयोपदेशः तथा सीताया स्वयंवरकथा (Anasuya’s Counsel and Sita’s Swayamvara Narrative)

Devanagari script

सात्वेवमुक्ता वैदेही अनसूयाऽनसूयया। प्रतिपूज्य वचो मन्दं प्रवक्तुमुपचक्रमे।।2.118.1।।

Transliteration

sā tv evam uktā vaidehī anasūyā ’nasūyayā | pratipūjya vaco mandaṃ pravaktum upacakrame ||

Translation

Thus addressed by Anasūyā, Vaidehī—free from malice—honoured her words in return and began to speak gently.

Context

When Anasuya thus addressed Vaidehi who is free from any malice, she worshipped Anasuya and started speaking in a gentle tone.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā (Vaidehī)
• Anasūyā

FAQs

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

Maryādā in speech and conduct: responding to elders and ascetics with reverence and gentle, truthful communication.

What is the narrative situation?

After Anasūyā addresses her, Sītā respectfully replies and begins speaking.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s humility, courtesy, and self-controlled speech.