Shloka 4.1.30

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

Devanagari script

न हि तां सूक्ष्मपक्ष्माक्षीं सुकेशीं मृदुभाषिणीम्।अपश्यतो मे सौमित्रे जीवितेऽस्ति प्रयोजनम्।।।।

Transliteration

na hi tāṁ sūkṣma-pakṣmākṣīṁ su-keśīṁ mṛdu-bhāṣiṇīm |

apaśyato me saumitre jīvite 'sti prayोजनam ||

Translation

O Saumitri, if I cannot see her—Sītā, with delicate eyelashes, lovely hair, and gentle speech—then truly my life has no purpose.

Context

'O Saumitri! my life is meaningless if I cannot see my beloved Sita with her delicate eye-lashes, beautiful locks of hair and her sweet voice.

Characters & Entities

• Lakshmana (Saumitri)
• Sita (implied by description)
• Rama (speaker)

FAQs

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

The verse highlights unwavering fidelity as dharma: the rightful husband’s life-purpose is bound to protecting and restoring his wife, not replacing her or compromising truth.

What is the narrative situation?

During the search, Rāma confesses to Lakṣmaṇa that separation from Sītā makes life feel purposeless.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Single-minded devotion and responsibility: Rāma’s identity as protector-husband remains central to his mission.