Shloka 2.37.6

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

Devanagari script

अथ चीराणि कैकेयी स्वयमाहृत्य राघवम्।उवाच परिधत्स्वेति जनौघे निरपत्रपा।।2.37.6।।

Transliteration

tasmiṁs tathā jalpati vipra-mukhye gurau nṛpasyāpratima-prabhāve | naiva sma sītā vinivṛtta-bhāvā priyasya bhartuḥ pratikāra-kāmā || 2.37.37 ||

Translation

Even as the foremost Brahmin—Vasiṣṭha, the king’s guru of incomparable power—spoke thus, Sītā did not turn back from her resolve, desiring only to accompany and serve her beloved husband.

Context

Thereupon in the assembly of people, without any sense of shame Kaikeyi herself brought the bark robes and said to the son of the Raghus (Rama), Wear it.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Vasiṣṭha
• the king (Daśaratha, implied)
• Rāma (implied as husband)

FAQs

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

Dharma is framed as steadfast devotion and shared duty: Sītā’s commitment to accompany Rāma is grounded in loyal service and moral solidarity.

What is the narrative situation?

Despite Vasiṣṭha’s attempt to prevent Sītā from taking on exile austerities, she remains unwavering in her decision to go with Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s unwavering resolve and devoted companionship (pati-sevā and saha-dharma-cāriṇī ideal).