Shloka 2.40.13

प्रयाणवर्णनम् (Departure from Ayodhya; Civic Lament and the Chariot’s Urgency)

Devanagari script

तं रथं सूर्यसङ्काशं सीता हृष्टेन चेतसा।आरुरोह वरारोहा कृत्वालङ्कारमात्मनः।।।।

Transliteration

taṃ rathaṃ sūryasaṅkāśaṃ sītā hṛṣṭena cetasā | āruroha varārohā kṛtvālaṅkāram ātmanaḥ ||2.40.13||

Translation

Sītā, of graceful form, adorned herself and, with a heart uplifted and resolute, mounted that chariot radiant like the sun.

Context

Sita of lovely limbs decorated herself and with a cheerful mind boarded the chariot which was shining like the Sun.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• chariot (ratha)
• sun (sūrya)

FAQs

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

Dharma as steadfast companionship and inner strength: Sītā’s composed preparation signifies choosing righteous solidarity with her husband despite impending hardship.

What is the narrative situation?

As the journey is about to begin, Sītā decorates herself and boards the shining chariot.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s courage and commitment—she meets exile not with collapse but with dignified readiness.