Shloka 2.29.13

सीताया वनगमननिश्चयः — Sita’s Resolve to Accompany Rama to the Forest

Devanagari script

कन्यया च पितुर्गेहे वनवास श्शृतो मया।भिक्षिण्या स्साधुवृत्ताया मम मातुरिहाग्रतः।।।।

Transliteration

kanyayā ca pitur gehe vanavāsaḥ śruto mayā | bhikṣiṇyā sādhuvṛttāyā mama mātur ihāgrataḥ || 2.29.13 ||

Translation

Even when I was a maiden in my father’s house, I heard of this forest-dwelling, spoken of by a virtuous female mendicant in my mother’s presence.

Context

When I was young in my father's house, a holy female mendicant foretold in the presence of my mother that I would dwell in the forest (in this life).

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāma
• Sītā’s mother (unnamed here)
• Sītā’s father (Janaka, implied)
• bhikṣuṇī (female mendicant)
• vanavāsa (forest exile)

FAQs

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

Respect for truthful testimony and sacred speech: Sītā treats the ascetic’s words as morally weighty, integrating them into her sense of rightful action.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā provides background for her resolve, recalling an earlier statement/foretelling heard in her parental home.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steady conviction—Sītā’s determination is shown as long-formed, not impulsive.