Shloka 2.37.9

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

Devanagari script

अथाऽत्मपरिधानार्थं सीता कौशेयवासिनी।समीक्ष्य चीरं सन्त्रस्ता पृषती वागुरामिव।।2.37.9।।

Transliteration

athātmaparidhānārthaṃ sītā kauśeyavāsinī | samīkṣya cīraṃ santrastā pṛṣatī vāgurām iva || 2.37.9 ||

Translation

Then Sītā, still clad in silk, saw the bark garment meant for her to wear and recoiled in fear—like a doe confronted by a hunter’s snare.

Context

Then Sita in silk clothes glanced at the bark robes meant for her to wear and was frightened like a doe seeing a (fowler's) snare.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• bark garment (cīra)
• silk (kauśeya)
• snare (vāgurā)

FAQs

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

Dharma here highlights the human cost of righteous decisions: even when exile is accepted for truth and duty, it can still cause fear and vulnerability in loved ones.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā is confronted with the immediate, tangible symbol of exile—bark clothing—prompting an instinctive shock.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sensitivity and realism: the verse portrays Sītā’s natural fear, setting the stage for her later courage and resolve.