Shloka 2.39.20

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

Devanagari script

असत्य स्सर्वलोकेऽस्मिन्सततं सत्कृताः प्रियैः।भर्तारं नानुमन्यन्ते विनिपातगतं स्त्रियः।।2.39.20।।

Transliteration

asatyaḥ sarvaloke ’smin satataṁ satkṛtāḥ priyaiḥ |

bhartāraṁ nānumanyante vinipātagataṁ striyaḥ || 2.39.20 ||

Translation

In this world, women who—though continually honoured by their beloved—do not stand by their husband when he falls into calamity are deemed untrue.

Context

Those women who, although always gratified, do not follow their husband when they fall into misfortune, are regarded as unfaithful.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• husband (bhartṛ)

FAQs

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

It asserts the Dharma-ideal of steadfast companionship: loyalty is tested not in comfort but in adversity, and abandoning a spouse in misfortune is framed as a breach of truthfulness/faith (satya).

What is the narrative situation?

In the context of Rāma’s exile, Sītā is being addressed with traditional counsel about a wife’s conduct, emphasizing constancy toward one’s husband during hardship.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The virtue of fidelity and unwavering commitment (niṣṭhā) in marital duty is emphasized as the expected ideal.