Shloka 2.28.3
सीतानिवर्तनप्रयत्नः — Rama’s Attempt to Dissuade Sita from Forest Exile
सीते महाकुलीनाऽसि धर्मे च निरता सदा।इहाऽचर स्वधर्मं त्वं मे यथा मनसस्सुखम्।।2.28.3।।
girinirjharasambhūtā girikandaravāsinām |
siṃhānāṃ ninadā duḥkhāḥ śrotuṃ duḥkham ato vanam || 2.28.7 ||
The sounds—born of mountain waterfalls and the roars of lions that dwell in rocky caves—are painful and frightening to hear; therefore, life in the forest is suffering.
Born in a noble race, O Sita, you are always devoted to duty. Follow your duty, here. It will make me happy.
Dharma includes responsible foresight: one must consider not only ideals but the concrete conditions that can undermine safety and composure.
Rāma illustrates forest hardship through sensory realities—terrifying natural sounds and predators—strengthening his argument.
Protective discernment—Rāma anticipates the psychological strain Sītā may face.