Shloka 4.53.36

स्वयम्प्रभा-विमोचनम् — Svayamprabha Leads the Vanaras Out (Time-Limit Crisis and Counsel)

Devanagari script

न क्षमं चापराद्धानां गमनं स्वामिपार्श्वतः।इहैव सीतामन्विष्य प्रवृत्तिमुपलभ्य वा।।।।नो चेद्गच्छाम तं वीरं गमिष्यामो यमक्षयम्।

Transliteration

na kṣamaṃ cāparāddhānāṃ gamanaṃ svāmipārśvataḥ |

ihaiva sītām anviṣya pravṛttim upalabhya vā |

no ced gacchāma taṃ vīraṃ gamiṣyāmo yamakṣayam ||

Translation

It is not fitting for offenders to go into the lord’s presence. Here itself we shall seek Sītā and, having learned her whereabouts, approach that hero; otherwise we shall go to Yama’s abode, to the inescapable end.

Context

'Those who have failed in their mission, being offenders should not go to meet the king. Offenders are not forgiven. Here itself we will search for Sita and if we are able to know her whereabouts we will go back. Or else we will go to the abode of Yama'.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Yama
• svāmī (Sugrīva, implied)
• vīra (Rāma or the hero to be approached, implied)

FAQs

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

When one has failed, dharma demands renewed effort and truthful pursuit of the goal rather than shameless return; perseverance in duty is presented as the only honorable path.

What is the narrative situation?

The party resolves not to return empty-handed; they will continue searching for Sītā, otherwise accept death.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Resolve (dhṛti) and commitment to mission despite fear of punishment.