Shloka 2.37.4

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

Devanagari script

तथा मम सतां श्रेष्ठ किं ध्वजिन्या जगत्पते।सर्वाण्येवानुजानामि चीराण्येवाऽनयन्तु मे।।2.37.4।।

Transliteration

ekasya rāmasya vane nivāsas tvayā vṛtaḥ kekaya-rāja-putrī | vibhūṣitā iyaṁ pratikarma-nityā vasatv araṇye saha rāghaveṇa || 2.37.35 ||

Translation

O princess of Kekaya, you sought forest-dwelling for Rāma alone. Therefore let this Sītā—ever accustomed to adornment—live in the wilderness together with Rāghava, remaining well adorned.

Context

O best among the virtuous! O lord of the world, I do not have any use for this army. I am giving away everything (to Bharata). Bring the bark only.

Characters & Entities

• Vasiṣṭha
• Kaikeyī
• Rāma
• Sītā
• Kekaya

FAQs

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

Dharma stresses fairness and precision: since Kaikeyī’s demand targeted only Rāma, extending deprivation to Sītā is ethically unjustified.

What is the narrative situation?

Vasiṣṭha argues that Sītā should not be forced into bark-cloth austerity because Kaikeyī’s boon did not specify her.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vasiṣṭha’s moral reasoning and advocacy for Sītā’s dignified treatment.