Shloka 4.40.13

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

Devanagari script

नाहमस्मिन् प्रभुः कार्ये वानरेश न लक्ष्मणः।त्वमस्य हेतुः कार्यस्य प्रभुश्च प्लवगेश्वर।।4.40.13।।

Transliteration

adhigamya tu vaidehīṃ nilayaṃ rāvaṇasya ca | prāpta-kālaṃ vidhāsyāmi tasmin kāle saha tvayā || 4.40.12 ||

Translation

Once Vaidehī is found and Rāvaṇa’s abode is known, at the proper time I will act—together with you—when that moment arrives.

Context

'O lord of monkeys! neither I nor my brother Lakshmana should command the monkeys. You are the right person to do it.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sugrīva
• Vaidehī (Sītā)
• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

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

Dharma is action governed by both truth and propriety: Rāma commits to act only after confirmation and at the appropriate time, aligning justice with discernment rather than haste.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma outlines the sequence for the mission: locate Sītā and Rāvaṇa’s residence first, then execute the necessary response in coordination with Sugrīva.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Strategic patience and fidelity to alliance—Rāma stresses coordinated action and timing, showing disciplined leadership.