Shloka 4.1.70

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

Devanagari script

पद्मकोशपलाशानि द्रष्टुं दृष्टिर्हि मन्यते।सीताया नेत्रकोशाभ्यां सदृशानीति लक्ष्मण।।।।

Transliteration

padmakośapalāśāni draṣṭuṃ dṛṣṭir hi manyate | sītāyā netrakośābhyāṃ sadṛśānīti lakṣmaṇa ||

Translation

My eyes long to look upon the tender petals around lotus buds, for they seem like Sītā’s beautiful eyelids, O Lakṣmaṇa.

Context

'Seeing the delicate petals around the lotus buds that look like beautiful eye-lids of Sita, my eyes crave for them O Lakshmana!

Characters & Entities

• Rama (speaker)
• Lakshmana
• Sita
• lotus buds (padmakośa)

FAQs

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

Dharma is steadfast fidelity (niṣṭhā) expressed through satya of the heart: Rama’s unwavering commitment to Sītā remains intact; remembrance does not weaken duty but sustains the righteous resolve to find her.

What is the narrative situation?

While traveling near Pampā, Rama sees lotus buds and is overcome by memory of Sītā, speaking to Lakṣmaṇa about the resemblance to her eyelids.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Loyal love and constancy: Rama’s mind remains anchored in Sītā, reflecting integrity and devotion rather than distraction or forgetfulness.