Shloka 5.15.21

अशोकवनिकायां सीतादर्शनम् (Sita Seen in the Ashoka Grove)

Devanagari script

पीतेनैकेन संवीतां क्लिष्टेनोत्तमवाससा।सपङ्कामनलङ्कारां विपद्मामिव पद्मिनीम्।।।।

Transliteration

pītenaikena saṃvītāṃ kliṣṭenottamavāsasā |

sapaṅkām analaṅkārāṃ vipadmām iva padminīm ||

Translation

She was clad in a single yellow garment—once fine, now worn and soiled. Unadorned and dust-stained, she looked like a lotus-pond turned muddy and bereft of lotuses.

Context

She was wearing an excellent single yellow cloth which was soiled. Unadorned, she looked like a muddy lotus-pond bereft of lotuses.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā

FAQs

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

Sītā’s unadorned, austere condition signals steadfast fidelity and inner righteousness: even in captivity she does not turn to comfort or display, holding to truth (satya) and marital constancy as her dharma.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān has located Sītā in Laṅkā and observes her condition—her clothing, lack of ornaments, and the visible marks of hardship.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s endurance and unwavering integrity: her external deprivation reflects her inner resolve and refusal to compromise her principles.