Shloka 2.55.16

चित्रकूटमार्गोपदेशः — Instructions for the Chitrakuta Route and the Yamuna Crossing

Devanagari script

तत्र श्रियमिवाचिन्त्यां रामो दाशरथिः प्रियाम्।ईषत्संलज्जमानां तामध्यारोपयतप्लवम्।।।।

Transliteration

tatra śriyam ivācintyāṃ rāmo dāśarathiḥ priyām |

īṣat saṃlajjamānāṃ tām adhyāropayat plavam ||

Translation

There, Rāma Dāśarathi helped his beloved Sītā—radiant like Śrī (Lakṣmī) in her indescribable splendor—gently onto the raft, as she stepped forward with tender bashfulness.

Context

Rama, son of Dasaratha helped his beloved (Sita), who was looking inconceivably like Lakshmi (goddess of wealth) and was feeling a little bashful while stepping on to the float.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sītā
• Śrī/Lakṣmī (comparison)
• plava (float/raft)

FAQs

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

Dharma is marital respect and protection: even in exile, Rāma maintains dignified care for Sītā, safeguarding her comfort and honor.

What is the narrative situation?

At the riverbank, as they prepare to cross, Rāma assists Sītā onto the raft.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Gentle guardianship and courtesy—Rāma’s attentive support and Sītā’s modest dignity.