Shloka 2.39.22

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

Devanagari script

असत्यशीला विकृता दुर्ग्राह्यहृदयास्सदा।युवत्यः पापसंङ्कल्पाः क्षणमात्राद्विरागिणः।।2.39.22।।

Transliteration

asatyaśīlā vikṛtā durgrāhyahṛdayāḥ sadā |

yuvatyaḥ pāpasaṅkalpāḥ kṣaṇamātrād virāgiṇaḥ || 2.39.22 ||

Translation

Young women of sinful intent are said to be untrue in conduct, warped in nature, ever hard to fathom in heart, and able to turn cold in affection in but a moment.

Context

Evil-minded young ladies are infidels. They are of perverted nature. They are inscrutable. In an instant they lose their love (for their husbands).

Characters & Entities

• Sītā

FAQs

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

It frames Dharma as reliability and truthfulness in relationships; the implied lesson is to reject impulsive, self-serving shifts of affection and instead cultivate steadfast virtue.

What is the narrative situation?

As the household faces the rupture of exile, Sītā is being cautioned through negative exemplars—what conduct should not be imitated.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Truthfulness (satya) and stability of mind (sthairya) as safeguards against morally erratic behavior.