Shloka 2.60.17
षष्टितमः सर्गः — Kausalyā’s Lament and Sumantra’s Consolation (Sītā’s Fearless Forest-Life)
सदृशं शतपत्रस्य पूर्णचन्द्रोपमप्रभम्।वदनं तद्वदान्याया वैदेह्या न विकम्पते।।।।
alaktarasa-raktābhāv alaktarasa-varjitau |
adyāpi caraṇau tasyāḥ padmakośa-sama-prabhau ||
Even now her feet—though no longer stained with red lac—still seem as if reddened with lac, shining like lotus buds.
The countenance of Sita with her gentle eloquence resembles a hundredpetalled lotus. She has the luminance of the full Moon that has not wilted.
It implies the dignity of simplicity: even when royal adornments fall away, the worth of a dharmic life remains—outer loss does not diminish inner excellence.
Sumantra offers concrete, tender details of Sītā’s condition in exile—her unadorned feet—showing she is enduring the journey without losing her natural grace.
Renunciation with poise—Sītā accepts reduced comforts without complaint, maintaining dignity.