Shloka 2.60.4

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

Devanagari script

बाष्पवेगोपहतया स वाचा सज्जमानया।इदमाश्वासयन्देवीं सूतः प्राञ्जलिरब्रवीत्।।।।

Transliteration

na śocyās te na cātmanaḥ śocyo nāpi janādhipaḥ |

idaṃ hi caritaṃ loke pratiṣṭhāsyati śāśvatam ||

Translation

They are not to be pitied—nor are you to be pitied, nor even the king; for this conduct will stand established in the world forever.

Context

With folded hands and faltering words choked by his fastflowing tears the charioteer tried to console Kausalya:

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• King (Daśaratha, implied by janādhipa)
• World (loka)

FAQs

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

Dharma is framed as exemplary conduct that becomes a lasting moral reference for society. The suffering is reinterpreted through the lens of enduring righteousness and truthful fame.

What is the narrative situation?

Sumantra argues against despair by stating that Rama’s conduct will become an everlasting model in the world, so lamentation is not fitting.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rama’s ideal conduct (ācāra) as a timeless standard—virtue that outlives immediate pain.