Shloka 2.60.1

षष्टितमः सर्गः — Kausalyā’s Lament and Sumantra’s Consolation (Sītā’s Fearless Forest-Life)

Devanagari script

ततो भूतोपसृष्टेव वेपमाना पुनः पुनः।धरण्यां गतसत्त्वेव कौसल्या सूतमब्रवीत्।।।।

Transliteration

tato bhūtopasṛṣṭeva vepamānā punaḥ punaḥ |

dharaṇyāṃ gatasattveva kausalyā sūtam abravīt ||

Translation

Then Kausalyā—trembling again and again, as though seized by a spirit, and as if bereft of her senses upon the ground—spoke to the charioteer (Sumantra).

Context

Thereafter Kausalya, trembling as if possessed by an evil spirit and rolling on the floor like one who her senses now and again, said to the charioteer (Sumantra):

Characters & Entities

• Kausalya
• Sumantra

FAQs

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

The verse foregrounds the dharmic weight of grief and restraint: even in overwhelming sorrow, speech and action remain morally significant. Kausalyā’s condition highlights how dharma is tested when one’s inner stability is shaken.

What is the narrative situation?

After Rāma’s departure toward exile, Kausalyā collapses in anguish and addresses Sumantra, who has returned/appeared as a witness to the departure and is being questioned or appealed to.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Kausalyā’s maternal devotion (mātṛ-prema) is emphasized—her identity and composure are overwhelmed by concern for Rāma, underscoring the depth of righteous familial love.