Shloka 2.39.24

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

Devanagari script

साध्वीनां हि स्थितानां तु शीले सत्ये श्रुते शमे।स्त्रीणां पवित्रं परमं पतिरेको विशिष्यते।।2.39.24।।

Transliteration

sādhvīnāṁ hi sthitānāṁ tu śīle satye śrute śame |

strīṇāṁ pavitraṁ paramaṁ patir eko viśiṣyate || 2.39.24 ||

Translation

But for virtuous women, steadfast in chastity, truth, sacred learning, and self-control, the husband alone stands forth as their highest sanctity—the supreme purifier.

Context

But for those virtuous women whose minds are fixed in chastity, truth, scriptures and stability, the husband occupies a distinguished place and is considered supremely holy.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• husband (pati)

FAQs

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

It defines an ideal of Dharma for a virtuous wife: truthfulness, self-control, and fidelity, where devotion to the husband is portrayed as a principal sacred duty.

What is the narrative situation?

As Rāma is being sent to the forest, Sītā is addressed with a value-framework that elevates steadfast marital duty, especially under hardship.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s archetypal virtue—pativratā-niṣṭhā (single-minded fidelity)—grounded in satya and śama.