Shloka 4.40.12

पूर्वदिशि सीतामार्गण-नियोगः (Deployment to the Eastern Quarter for the Search of Sita)

Devanagari script

अधिगम्य तु वैदेहीं निलयं रावणस्य च।प्राप्तकालं विधास्यामि तस्मिन्काले सह त्वया।।4.40.12।।

Transliteration

jñāyatāṃ mama vaidehī yadi jīvati vā na vā | sa ca deśo mahāprājña yasmin vasati rāvaṇaḥ || 4.40.11 ||

Translation

O greatly wise one, let it be ascertained whether my Vaidehī is alive or not—and also the very region where Rāvaṇa resides.

Context

'On locating Vaidehi in the kingdom of Ravana I shall take up proper course of action in conjunction with you.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sugrīva
• Vaidehī (Sītā)
• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

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

Dharma is expressed as truth-oriented action: before force is used, the righteous path requires finding facts—Sītā’s condition and Rāvaṇa’s whereabouts—so that action is guided by Satya (truth) and responsibility.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma directs Sugrīva’s efforts toward two urgent goals: confirming Sītā’s survival and locating the region where Rāvaṇa lives, forming the basis for the next stage of the campaign.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s restraint and clarity: he insists on accurate knowledge and proper sequencing of action rather than impulsive retaliation.