Shloka 2.39.28

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

Devanagari script

न मामसज्जनेनार्या समानयितुमर्हति।धर्माद्विचलितुं नाहमलं चन्द्रादिव प्रभा।।2.39.28।।

Transliteration

na mām asajjanenāryā samānayitum arhati |

dharmād vicalituṁ nāham alaṁ candrād iva prabhā || 2.39.28 ||

Translation

The venerable lady should not compare me to the wicked. I cannot swerve from dharma—just as radiance does not depart from the moon.

Context

My worshipful mother-in-law should not equate me with wicked people (women). I cannot swerve from the path of virtue like radiance which never leaves the Moon.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• mother-in-law (Kausalyā, implied)
• dharma
• candra (moon)
• prabhā (radiance)

FAQs

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

Dharma is presented as unwavering moral identity: Sītā asserts that righteousness is intrinsic to her, not contingent on circumstance or suspicion.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā answers protective, cautionary counsel by affirming her steadfastness and refusing any comparison with unfaithful conduct.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Integrity and steadfastness (dharma-niṣṭhā), expressed through the moon-and-radiance simile to show inseparability from virtue.