Shloka 2.28.2

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

Devanagari script

सान्त्वयित्वा पुनस्तां तु बाष्पदूषितलोचनाम्।निवर्तनार्थे धर्मात्मा वाक्यमेतदुवाच ह।।2.28.2।।

Transliteration

sarīsṛpāś ca bahavo bahu-rūpāś ca bhāmini |

caranti pṛthivīṃ darpāt tato duḥkhataraṃ vanam ||2.28.19||

Translation

O fair one, many reptiles of many kinds roam the ground fiercely; therefore life in the forest is even more perilous.

Context

Righteous Rama consoled Sita whose eyes were blurred with tears, and in order to dissuade her (from going to the forest) said again:

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sītā
• sarīsṛpa (reptiles)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes prudent protection of dependents: Rāma emphasizes real dangers to prevent avoidable harm to Sītā.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma continues detailing the forest’s threats, focusing on creatures that make travel and dwelling unsafe.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Protectiveness and foresight—anticipating risks rather than reacting after harm occurs.