Shloka 2.28.25

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

Devanagari script

तदलं ते वनं गत्वा क्षमं न हि वनं तव।विमृशन्निह पश्यामि बहुदोषतरं वनम्।।2.28.25।।

Transliteration

sīte vimucyatām eṣā vanavāsakṛtā matiḥ |

bahudoṣaṃ hi kāntāraṃ vanam ity abhidhīyate || 2.28.5 ||

Translation

O Sītā, abandon this resolve of dwelling in the forest. For the wilderness is called a forest precisely because it is filled with many dangers and hardships.

Context

Thus forest life is not suitable for you. On reconsideration, I see that there are many dangers in forest life.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāma
• kāntāra (wilderness)
• vana (forest)

FAQs

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

Dharma is aligned with discernment (viveka): one should not romanticize hardship when it conflicts with safety, responsibility, and realistic assessment.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma directly urges Sītā to relinquish her wish to live in the forest, characterizing the wilderness as inherently perilous.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Practical wisdom and restraint—Rāma prioritizes careful judgment over emotional impulse.