Shloka 5.15.22

अशोकवनिकायां सीतादर्शनम् (Sita Seen in the Ashoka Grove)

Devanagari script

व्रीडितां दुःखसन्तप्तां परिम्लानां तपस्विनीम्।ग्रहेणाङ्गारकेणेव पीडितामिव रोहिणीम्।।।।

Transliteration

vrīḍitāṃ duḥkhasantaptāṃ parimlānāṃ tapasvinīm |

graheṇāṅgārakeṇeva pīḍitām iva rohiṇīm ||

Translation

Bashful, scorched by sorrow, and withered in appearance—like an ascetic woman—she seemed like Rohiṇī oppressed by the planet Aṅgāraka (Mars).

Context

She was bashful, tormented with agony, dejected with a withered look. She appeared like the star Rohini oppressed by planet Mars.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rohiṇī
• Aṅgāraka (Mars)

FAQs

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

The verse highlights dharma as disciplined endurance: Sītā’s suffering is portrayed not as collapse but as tapas-like steadfastness grounded in truth and fidelity.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān continues to assess Sītā’s state in captivity, using a cosmic simile to convey how overpowering her affliction appears.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Modesty (vrīḍā) and austerity (tapas): her demeanor remains dignified even under oppression.