Shloka 4.1.118

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

Devanagari script

प्रवृत्तिर्लभ्यतां तावत्तस्य पापस्य रक्षसः।ततो हास्यति वा सीतां निधनं वा गमिष्यति।।।।

Transliteration

pravṛttir labhyatāṃ tāvat tasya pāpasya rakṣasaḥ | tato hāsyati vā sītāṃ nidhanaṃ vā gamiṣyati ||

Translation

First, let the whereabouts of that sinful rakshasa be discovered; then he will either restore Sita, or he will go to his death.

Context

'Once the whereabouts of that sinful demon are known he will either deliver Sita or die.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Lakshmana
• Ravana
• Sita

FAQs

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

Dharma acts intelligently: before punishment or rescue, one must seek accurate knowledge (pravṛtti) and then pursue justice decisively.

What is the narrative situation?

Lakshmana outlines a practical sequence—locate Ravana first; the outcome will be Sita’s return or Ravana’s destruction.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Strategic clarity (nīti): disciplined prioritization of intelligence-gathering to fulfill a righteous goal.