Shloka 2.118.29
अनसूयोपदेशः तथा सीताया स्वयंवरकथा (Anasuya’s Counsel and Sita’s Swayamvara Narrative)
स मां दृष्ट्वा नरपतिर्मुष्टिविक्षेपतत्परः।पांसुकुण्ठितसर्वाङ्गीं जनको विस्मितोऽभवत्।।2.118.29।।
sa māṃ dṛṣṭvā narapatir muṣṭivikṣepatatparaḥ | pāṃsukuṇṭhitasarvāṅgīṃ janako vismito 'bhavat ||2.118.29||
Then King Janaka—intent on scattering fistfuls (of seed)—saw me with my whole body dust-covered, and he was filled with astonishment.
Engaged in sowing fistfuls of seeds, king Janaka found me covered with dust andwas astonished.
A dharmic heart responds to the vulnerable: the scene prepares for Janaka’s compassionate acceptance—astonishment becomes the doorway to protective responsibility.
Sītā describes the moment Janaka notices her, newly arisen and covered in dust, while he is sowing seed.
Janaka’s attentive awareness and the humane impulse that follows upon encountering the unexpected and helpless.