Shloka 2.88.16

रामशय्यादर्शनम् — Bharata Beholds Rama’s Forest Bed

Devanagari script

मन्ये भर्तु स्सुखा शय्या येन बाला तपस्विनी।सुकुमारी सती दुःखं न हि विजानाति मैथिली।।।।

Transliteration

manye bhartuḥ sukhā śayyā yena bālā tapasvinī |

sukumārī satī duḥkhaṃ na hi vijānāti maithilī ||

Translation

I think her husband’s bed is comfort to her; thus the young, delicate, and devoted Maithilī, though living in austerity, scarcely knows it as suffering.

Context

Hapless Sita is young and delicate. Being a chaste lady, she, even in these (adverse) circumstances, does not feel the brunt. Hence, maybe she thinks her husbands' (hard) bed comfortable to her.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā (Maithilī)
• Rāma

FAQs

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

Dharma as steadfast companionship: Sītā’s love and virtue transform hardship into acceptable living, illustrating inner strength rooted in righteousness.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata reflects that Sītā, though delicate, endures the forest life without complaint because she is with Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s fortitude and devoted partnership—enduring difficulty with composure.