Shloka 2.28.20

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

Devanagari script

नदी निलयना स्सर्पा नदीकुटिलगामिनः।तिषठ्न्त्यावृत्य पन्थानं ततो दुःखतरं वनम्।।.2.28.20।।

Transliteration

nadī-nilayanāḥ sarpā nadī-kuṭila-gāminaḥ |

tiṣṭhanty āvṛtya panthānaṃ tato duḥkhataraṃ vanam ||2.28.20||

Translation

Serpents that dwell in rivers and move with river-like winding turns block the paths and lie in wait; therefore life in the forest is exceedingly hard.

Context

The serpents that live in and move like meandering rivers always obstruct the paths. Therefore, living in the forest is tremendously difficult.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sītā
• nadī (river)
• sarpāḥ (serpents)
• panthā (path)

FAQs

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

Dharma-guided counsel is concrete, not abstract: Rāma teaches that wise decisions consider practical obstacles and safety.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma intensifies his warning by describing hidden, ambushing dangers that obstruct movement in the wilderness.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Discernment (viveka) and care—warning a loved one with specific, experience-based detail.