Shloka 2.44.1

सुमित्रोपदेशः — Sumitra’s Consolation to Kausalya

Devanagari script

विलपन्ती तथा तां तु कौसल्यां प्रमदोत्तमाम्।इदं धर्मे स्थिता धर्म्यं सुमित्रा वाक्यमब्रवीत्।।।।

Transliteration

vilapantī tathā tāṃ tu kausalyāṃ pramadottamām | idaṃ dharme sthitā dharmyaṃ sumitrā vākyam abravīt ||

Translation

As Kausalyā, foremost among women, lamented thus, Sumitrā—steadfastly established in dharma—spoke to her these righteous, dharma-aligned words.

Context

While Kausalya, the best of women was thus lamenting, virtuous Sumitra spoke to her these righteous words:

Characters & Entities

• Kausalyā
• Sumitrā
• dharma

FAQs

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

Dharma is presented as a stabilizing force in crisis: the dharmic person offers guidance that aligns emotion with righteous action.

What is the narrative situation?

After Kausalyā’s lament, Sumitrā begins to console and instruct her, framing her advice as dharma-consistent.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sumitrā’s steadiness and discernment—she can counsel rightly even when others are overwhelmed.