Shloka 2.39.15

एकोनचत्वारिंशः सर्गः — Dasaratha’s Lament, Sumantra’s Commission, and Sita’s Vow of Marital Dharma

Devanagari script

वासांसि च महार्हाणि भूषणानि वराणि च।वर्षाण्येतानि सङ्ख्याय वैदेह्याः क्षिप्रमानय।।2.39.15।।

Transliteration

vāsāṃsi ca mahārhāṇi bhūṣaṇāni varāṇi ca | varṣāṇy etāni saṅkhyāya vaidehyāḥ kṣipram ānaya || 2.39.15 ||

Translation

Calculate the years (of exile) and quickly bring for Vaidehī precious garments as well as excellent ornaments.

Context

Assess the (needs for) number of years the princess of Videha (Sita) is going to be in the forest, and fetch her quickly highly valuable garments and excellent ornaments.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Sītā (Vaidehī)
• garments
• ornaments
• treasury

FAQs

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

Even when compelled by truth-bound commitments, a ruler must uphold compassion and responsibility toward dependents—ensuring protection and provision for Sītā in hardship.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha orders the treasury to provide Sītā with clothing and ornaments appropriate to the duration of forest exile.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Daśaratha’s protective concern as a king and elder, seeking to mitigate suffering through lawful provision.