Shloka 2.60.9

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

Devanagari script

नगरोपवनं गत्वा यथा स्मरमते पुरा।तथैव रमते सीता निर्जनेषु वनेष्वपि।।।।

Transliteration

nagaropavanaṃ gatvā yathā sma ramatē purā |

tathaiva ramatē sītā nirjaneṣu vaneṣv api ||

Translation

Just as she once delighted in the city’s pleasure-groves, so too Sītā now takes delight even in these lonely forests.

Context

Earlier, just as Sita used to revel in the gardens of the city, so does she now in those desolate forests.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• city gardens (nagaropavana)
• forest (vana)

FAQs

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

Dharma is contentment rooted in right living: joy is not dependent on luxury but on a disciplined, truthful heart.

What is the narrative situation?

A comparison is drawn between Sītā’s former royal life and her present forest life, showing continuity of spirit.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s santoṣa (contentment) and mental poise—she can find beauty and peace even in austerity.