Shloka 2.53.2

पञ्चाशत्तमः सर्गः (Sarga 53) — Rāma’s Lament, Vigil for Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa’s Consolation

Devanagari script

अद्येयं प्रथमा रात्रिर्याता जनपदाद्बहिः।या सुमन्त्रेण रहिता तां नोत्कण्ठितुमर्हसि।।।।

Transliteration

nūnaṁ jātyantare kasmin striyaḥ putrair viyojitāḥ |

jananyā mama saumitre tasmād etad upasthitam ||

Translation

Saumitra, surely in some former birth my mother separated women from their sons; therefore this calamity has now come upon her.

Context

We will have to spend this first night without Sumantra and away from human habitation. (Yet) you need not worry.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Lakshmana
• Kausalya

FAQs

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

Karmic causality framed as moral reflection: suffering is interpreted as arising from prior harm, encouraging humility and ethical restraint rather than blame.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama laments Kausalya’s pain at separation and interprets the misfortune through the lens of karma from a previous birth.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Empathy and introspection: Rama’s concern centers on his mother’s suffering and seeks moral meaning rather than resentment.