Shloka 4.1.106

पम्पा-तीर-वर्णनम् / Rama’s Lament at Pampa and the Approach to Rishyamuka

Devanagari script

किन्नु वक्ष्यामि राजानं धर्मज्ञं सत्यवादिनम्।सीताया जनकं पृष्टः कुशलं जनसंसदि।।।।

Transliteration

kinnu vakṣyāmi rājānaṃ dharmajñaṃ satyavādinam | sītāyā janakaṃ pṛṣṭaḥ kuśalaṃ janasaṃsadi ||

Translation

What could I possibly say if King Janaka—righteous, knowing dharma, and devoted to truth—asks in the public assembly about Sita’s welfare?

Context

'If righteous and truthful Janaka enquires about Sita's wellbeing in the assembly of people, what am I to speak ?

Characters & Entities

• Janaka
• Sita
• public assembly (janasaṃsad)

FAQs

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

Accountability before the righteous: dharma requires that one’s actions and outcomes withstand scrutiny from truth-oriented elders; Rama feels the moral weight of answering Janaka publicly.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama anticipates the painful moment of having to report to Janaka about Sita, especially if questioned in a formal public setting.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Respect for truth and elders: Rama’s conscience is shaped by Janaka’s reputation for dharma and satya.