Shloka 2.28.15

सीतानिवर्तनप्रयत्नः — Rama’s Attempt to Dissuade Sita from Forest Exile

Devanagari script

कार्यस्त्रिरभिषेकश्च काले काले च नित्यशः।चरता नियमेनैव तस्माद्धुःखतरं वनम्।।2.28.15।।

Transliteration

devatānāṃ pitr̥ūṇāṃ kartavyaṃ vidhi-pūrvakam |

prāptānām atithīnāṃ ca nityaśaḥ pratipūjanam ||2.28.14||

Translation

One must duly perform worship for the gods and the ancestors, and one must also continually honor guests who arrive.

Context

One has to wander about all the while (like an ascetic) as per the customs and take ablutions three times a day at prescribed hours. Hence life in the forest is extremely hard.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sītā
• devatāḥ (gods)
• pitr̥s (ancestors)
• atithi (guest)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is ritual and social obligation: honoring gods, ancestors, and guests is a continual duty, emphasizing reverence, gratitude, and hospitality.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma explains that forest-life is not merely travel; it requires disciplined observance of duties and constant readiness for obligations, making it difficult for Sītā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s adherence to dharma and truthfulness: he presents the reality of duty-bound life without romanticizing exile.