Shloka 2.37.5

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

Devanagari script

खनित्रपिटके चोभे समानयत गच्छतः।चतुर्दश वने वासं वर्षाणि वसतो मम।।2.37.5।।

Transliteration

yānaiś ca mukhyaiḥ paricārakaiś ca susaṁvṛtā gacchatu rāja-putrī | vastraiś ca sarvaiḥ sahitair vidhānair neyaṁ vṛtā te vara-sampradāne || 2.37.36 ||

Translation

Let the princess depart surrounded by noble conveyances and attendants, furnished with garments and every requisite. When you sought your boons, you did not include her—Sītā—in what you demanded.

Context

I am going to the forest to live there for fourteen years. Bring me two things: a basket and a crowbar.

Characters & Entities

• Vasiṣṭha
• Kaikeyī
• Sītā
• vehicles/chariots (yāna)
• attendants (paricāraka)
• garments (vastra)

FAQs

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

Dharma requires truthful limits: one must not expand a harsh command beyond what was actually promised or asked, especially when it harms an innocent.

What is the narrative situation?

Vasiṣṭha insists Sītā should be allowed proper comfort and protection because Kaikeyī’s boon concerned only Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vasiṣṭha’s commitment to fairness and protective duty toward the royal household.