Shloka 5.15.31

अशोकवनिकायां सीतादर्शनम् (Sita Seen in the Ashoka Grove)

Devanagari script

निःश्वासबहुलां भीरुं भुजगेन्द्रवधूमिव।।।।शोकजालेन महता विततेन न राजतीम्।

Transliteration

niḥśvāsabahulāṃ bhīruṃ bhujagendravadhūm iva | śokajālena mahatā vitatena na rājatīm ||

Translation

Timid, sighing again and again like the bride of the serpent-lord, she did not shine—ensnared in a vast, far-spread web of grief.

Context

The timid lady was hissing (sighing) like the consort of the serpent king, who being caught in a widespread cobweb of grief was looking gloomy.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā

FAQs

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

The verse highlights truthful witnessing of suffering: Dharma includes acknowledging another’s pain without denial, which motivates compassionate and righteous action.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān observes Sītā’s visible anguish—her repeated sighs and fear—confirming the severity of her captivity.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s endurance in separation—she remains alive and morally intact despite overwhelming grief.