Shloka 2.37.2

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

Devanagari script

त्यक्तभोगस्य मे राजन् वने वन्येन जीवतः।किं कार्यमनुयात्रेण त्यक्तसङ्गस्य सर्वतः।।2.37.2।।

Transliteration

kuru no yācanāṁ putra sītā tiṣṭhatu bhāminī | dharmanityaḥ svayaṁ sthātuṁ na hīdānīṁ tvam icchasi || 2.37.19 ||

Translation

“Grant our request, dear son: let the lovely Sita remain here. You, steadfast in dharma, do not wish to stay behind now for your own sake.”

Context

O king! giving up pleasures and attachments altogether I am going to live on whatever is available in the forest. What is the use of followers?

Characters & Entities

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

FAQs

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

The verse contrasts personal desire with duty: Rama’s dharma-driven resolve is acknowledged, while the women appeal to a compassionate arrangement that spares Sita.

What is the narrative situation?

The women beg Rama to accept exile alone (with Lakshmana) and allow Sita to remain safely in the palace.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rama’s dharma-niṣṭhā (steadfastness in duty), highlighted even by those pleading against Sita’s departure.