Shloka 4.30.9

शरत्प्रवेशे रामविलापः तथा सुग्रीवप्रमादे लक्ष्मणप्रेषणम् (Autumn’s Onset: Rama’s Lament and Lakshmana Sent to Sugriva)

Devanagari script

या पुरा कलहंसानां स्वरेण कलभाषिणी।बुध्यते चारुसर्वाङ्गी साऽद्य मे बुद्ध्यते कथम्।।

Transliteration

yā purā kalahaṃsānāṃ svareṇa kalabhāṣiṇī |

budhyate cāru-sarvāṅgī sā ’dya me budhyate katham ||

Translation

She who once—sweet-voiced and lovely in every limb—would awaken to the calls of swans: how will that Sītā of mine awaken now?

Context

'How will my Sita with her charming limbs and sweet words, who used to get up from sleep by the cackle of swans, wake up now?

Characters & Entities

• Sita
• Rama
• swans (kalahaṃsa)

FAQs

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

Dharma is expressed as unwavering marital fidelity and compassion: Rāma’s sorrow arises from righteous love and responsibility toward Sītā.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma grieves for Sītā, recalling her gentle habits, while the delay in the search intensifies his anguish.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Tenderness and steadfast devotion—Rāma’s emotional integrity reinforces his commitment to rescue Sītā.