Shloka 2.60.14

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

Devanagari script

इदमेव स्मराम्यस्यास्सहसैवोपजल्पितम्।कैकेयी संश्रितं वाक्यं नेदानीं प्रतिभाति मा।।।।

Transliteration

dhvaṃsayitvā tu tadvākyaṃ pramādāt paryupasthitam |

hlādanam vacanaṃ sūto devyā madhuram abravīt ||

Translation

But, setting aside those words that had slipped out through inadvertence, the charioteer spoke to the queen in gentle, sweet speech, meant to bring her comfort.

Context

Sita did say something about Kaikeyi, but now I do not remember what.

Characters & Entities

• Sumantra
• Kausalya
• Kaikeyi (implicit via 'those words')

FAQs

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

It teaches vāc-dharma: speech should be truthful yet compassionate and timely. Sumantra chooses words that heal rather than inflame grief or anger.

What is the narrative situation?

Sumantra, realizing that mention of Kaikeyī may worsen Kausalyā’s suffering, redirects the conversation and offers consoling words.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Compassionate discretion—knowing what not to say, and how to speak for another’s welfare.