Shloka 2.60.5

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

Devanagari script

त्यज शोकं च मोहं च सम्भ्रमं दुःखजं तथा।व्यवधूय च सन्तापं वने वत्स्यति राघवः।।।।

Transliteration

vidhūya śokaṃ parihṛṣṭamānasā maharṣiyāte pathi suvyavatsthitāḥ |

vaneratā vanyaphalāśanāḥ pituḥ śubhāṃ pratijñāṃ paripālayanti te ||

Translation

Shaking off grief, with hearts made serene, firmly established on the path laid down by great seers, delighting in the forest and living on wild fruits, they are fulfilling their father’s noble vow.

Context

Abandon your tears, delusion and despair arising out of sorrow. Rama is going to livein the forest, brushing aside all agony.

Characters & Entities

• Great seers (maharṣi)
• Forest (vana)
• Father (Daśaratha, implied)
• Vow/promise (pratijñā)

FAQs

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

Satya and dharma converge in vow-keeping: the exile is portrayed as faithful fulfillment of a father’s promise, aligned with the rishi-sanctioned path of disciplined living.

What is the narrative situation?

Sumantra depicts the exiles as mentally steady and even content in forest austerity, emphasizing that they are upholding Daśaratha’s pledge.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadfast obedience and disciplined contentment—holding to a vow without resentment.