Shloka 2.60.3

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

Devanagari script

निवर्तय रथं शीघ्रं दण्डकान्नय मामपि।अथ तान्नानुगच्छामि गमिष्यामि यमक्षयम्।।।।

Transliteration

gajaṃ vā vīkṣya siṃhaṃ vā vyāghraṃ vā vanam āśritā |

nāhārayati santrāsaṃ bāhū rāmasya saṃśritā ||

Translation

Dwelling in the forest, even on seeing an elephant, a lion, or a tiger, she feels no fear—having taken refuge in Rāma’s arms.

Context

'Turn back your chariot immediately and take me to the Dandaka forest. If I do not follow them, I shall enter the world of Yama'.

Characters & Entities

• Sita
• Rama
• Forest (vana)
• Elephant (gaja)
• Lion (siṃha)
• Tiger (vyāghra)

FAQs

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

It highlights dharma as mutual protection and trust within righteous companionship: fear is overcome through refuge in a protector committed to duty.

What is the narrative situation?

Sumantra reassures Kausalya that Sita remains unafraid even amid forest dangers because she is with Rama.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Courage grounded in trust—Sita’s steadiness and Rama’s protective strength.