Shloka 2.37.17

अयोध्याकाण्डे सर्गः ३७ — चीरधारणं, सीतासंकल्पः, वसिष्ठोपदेशः (Bark-Robe Episode and Vasistha’s Admonition)

Devanagari script

पितुर्वाक्यानुरोधेन गतस्य विजनं वनम्।तावद्दर्शनमस्या नः सफलं भवतु प्रभो।।2.37.17।।

Transliteration

ūcuś ca paramāyastā rāmaṁ jvalitatejasam | vatsa naivaṁ niyukteyaṁ vanavāse manasvinī || 2.37.16 ||

Translation

Deeply distressed, they said to Rama of blazing splendour: “Dear child, this high-minded Sita has not been enjoined to dwell in the forest in this manner.”

Context

In obedience to the words of your father, O lord! you are going to the forest. Till you return, please allow us to have her (Sita's) audience.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Sita
• women of the inner apartments (antaḥpura-nāryaḥ)
• forest-dwelling (vanavāsa)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes fairness and proper scope of obligation: the women argue that Sita is not bound by the command directed at Rama, so imposing exile on her appears unjust.

What is the narrative situation?

Palace women plead with Rama, protesting that Sita was not commanded to undergo forest exile.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Nyāya-buddhi (sense of justice) and compassion—speaking up to protect Sita from undue suffering.