Shloka 2.60.20

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

Devanagari script

गजं वा वीक्ष्य सिंहं वा व्याघ्रं वा वनमाश्रिता।नाऽहारयति सन्त्रासं बाहू रामस्य संश्रिता।।।।

Transliteration

bāṣpavegopahatayā sa vācā sajjamānayā |

idam āśvāsayan devīṃ sūtaḥ prāñjalir abravīt ||

Translation

Then the charioteer, with palms joined, spoke to console the queen; his words faltered, choked by the rush of tears.

Context

Though in the forest, Sita, under the protection of Rama's arms, is afraid of neither elephants nor lions nor tigers.

Characters & Entities

• Sumantra
• Kausalya

FAQs

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

It presents compassionate duty: Sumantra performs his dharma as a loyal attendant by offering respectful consolation, even while sharing the sorrow.

What is the narrative situation?

The narration introduces Sumantra’s attempt to calm Kausalya, describing his emotional state and respectful posture before he begins speaking.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Empathy and service-mindedness—Sumantra’s humility (folded hands) and shared grief while still fulfilling his role.