Shloka 5.16.14

षोडशः सर्गः (Sarga 16): Hanumān’s Recognition of Sītā and Renewed Lament

Devanagari script

राज्यं वा त्रिषु लोकेषु सीता वा जनकात्मजा।त्रैलोक्यराज्यं सकलं सीताया नाप्नुयात्कलाम्।।5.16.14।।

Transliteration

rājyaṃ vā triṣu lokeṣu sītā vā janakātmajā |

trailokya-rājyaṃ sakalaṃ sītāyā nāpnuyāt kalām ||5.16.14||

Translation

Whether it be sovereignty over the three worlds or Sītā, Janaka’s daughter—complete dominion over the three worlds would not equal even a sixteenth part of Sītā’s worth.

Context

"The sovereignty over the three worlds will weigh less than one sixteenth part of Janaka's daughter, Sita.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Janaka
• Three worlds (Trailokya)

FAQs

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

Dharma prioritizes persons over power: rightful love, fidelity, and the dignity of Sītā outweigh worldly sovereignty; moral value is not measured by political dominion.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān evaluates Sītā’s incomparable worth, reinforcing why Rāma’s entire campaign is justified.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Recognition of true worth—Hanumān’s ethical clarity that virtue and fidelity surpass material or cosmic power.