Shloka 2.28.4

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

Devanagari script

सीते यथा त्वां वक्ष्यामि तथा कार्यं त्वयाऽबले। वने हि बहवो दोषा वदतस्तान्निबोध मे।।2.28.4।।

Transliteration

krīḍamānāś ca visrabdhā mattā śūnye mahāmṛgāḥ |

dṛṣṭvā samabhivartante sīte duḥkham ato vanam || 2.28.8 ||

Translation

In the lonely forest, great wild beasts—fearless and intoxicated in their freedom—sport about and, on seeing a person, rush to attack. Therefore, the forest is suffering.

Context

Do as I tell you, O delicate Sita. There are, indeed, many hardships in the forest. I shall tell you all about them. Listen to me.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāma
• mahāmṛga (wild beasts)
• vana (forest)

FAQs

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

Dharma is not merely intention but safeguarding life: a righteous path requires acknowledging threats that can obstruct duty and wellbeing.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma continues enumerating dangers, stressing that the forest is not a controlled human space but a realm of unpredictable animal aggression.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s protective responsibility and realism in counsel.