Shloka 2.52.98

गङ्गातरणम्, सुमन्त्र-प्रतिनिवर्तनम्, जटाधारणम् (Crossing the Gaṅgā; Sumantra’s Return; Adoption of Ascetic Signs)

Devanagari script

प्रणष्टजनसम्बाधं क्षेत्रारामविवर्जितम्।विषमं च प्रपातं च वनमद्य प्रवेक्ष्यति।।2.52.98।।

Transliteration

praṇaṣṭa-jana-sambādhaṃ kṣetrārāma-vivarjitam | viṣamaṃ ca prapātaṃ ca vanam adya pravekṣyati ||2.52.98||

Translation

Today she will enter a forest empty of crowds, bereft of fields and gardens—uneven and hard to traverse, broken by ravines and steep drops.

Context

Now she will enter the forest which is devoid of concourse of people, farms and pleasure groves and which is uneven and inaccessible and full of deep ditches.

Characters & Entities

• Vaidehī (Sītā)
• vana (forest)
• kṣetra (fields)
• ārāma (gardens)

FAQs

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

Dharma is portrayed as lived discipline: choosing righteousness entails leaving comfort and social protection, and accepting austere surroundings with truthfulness and resolve.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma describes the nature of the wilderness Sītā is about to enter—contrasting it with civilized life of fields, gardens, and people.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s anticipated fortitude (sahana-śīlatā): her willingness to share exile implies courage and devotion.