Shloka 2.39.19

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

Devanagari script

तां भुजाभ्यां परिष्वज्य श्वश्रूर्वचनमब्रवीत्।अनाचरन्ती कृपणं मूर्ध्न्युपाघ्राय मैथिलीम्।।2.39.19।।

Transliteration

tāṃ bhujābhyāṃ pariṣvajya śvaśrūr vacanam abravīt | anācarantī kṛpaṇaṃ mūrdhny upāghrāya maithilīm || 2.39.19 ||

Translation

Embracing Maithilī with both arms and kissing her on the forehead, her mother-in-law spoke—though Sītā’s conduct gave no occasion for pity.

Context

Kausalya, Sita's mother-in-law, took her in her arms, embraced her, kissed her on the forehead, and said to her who conducted herself without evoking any pity.

Characters & Entities

• Kaushalyā (śvaśrū, implied as Rāma’s mother)
• Sītā (Maithilī)
• forehead kiss (gesture of affection/blessing)

FAQs

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

Family dharma expressed as compassion and blessing: elders uphold tenderness and moral support, especially when the righteous face undeserved suffering.

What is the narrative situation?

Kaushalyā embraces and blesses Sītā as she is about to leave for the forest; the narrator notes Sītā’s steady demeanor.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s self-possessed fortitude (not seeking pity) and Kaushalyā’s maternal compassion and protective affection.