Shloka 2.30.23

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

Devanagari script

सा विद्धा बहुभिर्वाक्यैर्दिग्धैरिव गजाङ्गना।चिरसन्नियतं बाष्पं मुमोचाग्निमिवारणिः।।2.30.23।।

Transliteration

sā viddhā bahubhir vākyair digdhair iva gajāṅganā | cira-sanniyataṃ bāṣpaṃ mumoca agnim ivāraṇiḥ || 2.30.23 ||

Translation

Pierced by many such words, like a female elephant struck by poisoned arrows, she released the tears she had long held back—like a fire-kindling stick that finally brings forth fire.

Context

Pierced by so many words (of objection from Rama), Sita felt like a cow-elephant penetrated by poison-smeared arrrows. And shed her long-suppressed tears like arani (a fire-kindling stick) kindling fire.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāma
• gajāṅganā (female elephant)
• āraṇi (fire-kindling stick)

FAQs

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

Dharma is shown as sensitivity in speech and action: harsh words can wound deeply; the epic warns that righteousness must include compassionate communication.

What is the narrative situation?

After being met with repeated objections, Sītā’s composure breaks and her suppressed tears finally flow.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Endurance up to a limit—she restrains herself long, then naturally releases grief when overwhelmed.