Shloka 2.60.23

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

Devanagari script

तथापि सूतेन सुयुक्तवादिना निवार्यमाणा सुतशोककर्शिता।न चैव देवी विरराम कूजितात्प्रियेति पुत्रेति च राघवेति च।।।।

Transliteration

nūpurodghuṣṭahelevā khelaṃ gacchati bhāminī |

idānīm api vaidehī tadrāgān nyastabhūṣaṇā ||

Translation

Even now Vaidehi—having set aside her ornaments out of love for him—walks with gentle grace, as though in playful dalliance, while her anklets softly proclaim each step.

Context

Though Sumantra was speaking with befitting words to prevent Kausalya from weeping over her son which had enfeebled her, she did not stop crying, 'O my beloved', 'O my son', 'O Rama'.इत्यार्षे श्रीमद्रामायणे वाल्मीकीय आदिकाव्ये अयोध्याकाण्डे षष्टितमस्सर्गः।।Thus ends the sixtieth sarga in Ayodhyakanda of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Characters & Entities

• Sita (Vaidehi)
• Rama
• Anklets (nūpura)
• Ornaments (bhūṣaṇa)

FAQs

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

The verse presents dharma as voluntary renunciation guided by love and fidelity: Sita gives up royal adornment and embraces the exile’s simplicity, aligning personal conduct with Rama’s righteous course.

What is the narrative situation?

Sumantra describes Sita’s demeanor in exile—her ornaments cast aside, yet her movement remains serene and graceful—aiming to soothe Kausalya’s anxiety.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sita’s steadfast devotion and inner composure: she accepts hardship without losing dignity or gentleness.