Shloka 4.6.11

आभरण-प्रत्यभिज्ञानम् (Recognition of Sītā’s Ornaments)

Devanagari script

आत्मना पञ्चमं मां हि दृष्ट्वा शैलतटे स्थितम्।उत्तरीयं तया त्यक्तं शुभान्याभरणानि च4.6.11।।

Transliteration

ātmanā pañcamaṃ māṃ hi dṛṣṭvā śailataṭe sthitam |

uttarīyaṃ tayā tyaktaṃ śubhāny ābharaṇāni ca ||

Translation

Seeing me as though I were a fifth witness, seated upon the mountain-slope, she let fall her upper cloth—together with her auspicious ornaments.

Context

'Seeing me as the fifth member seated on a mountain she dropped down the auspicious ornaments (bundled) in her veil;

Characters & Entities

• Maithili (Sita)
• mountain (śaila)
• uttarīya (upper cloth/veil)
• ornaments (ābharaṇa)

FAQs

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

Presence of mind under संकट (crisis): Sītā’s act preserves truth and evidence, enabling dharmic rescue efforts through reliable identification.

What is the narrative situation?

During the abduction, Sītā notices observers on the mountainside and drops her cloth and ornaments to leave a trace.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s courage and practical wisdom—acting strategically even while in distress.