Shloka 5.16.15
षोडशः सर्गः (Sarga 16): Hanumān’s Recognition of Sītā and Renewed Lament
इयं सा धर्मशीलस्य मैथिलस्य महात्मनः।सुता जनकराजस्य सीता भर्तृदृढव्रता।।5.16.15।।उत्थिता मेदिनीं भित्त्वा क्षेत्रे हलमुखक्षते।पद्मरेणुनिभैः कीर्णा शुभैः केदारपाम्सुभिः।।5.16.16।।
iyaṃ sā dharmaśīlasya maithilasya mahātmanaḥ |
sutā janakarājasya sītā bhartṛdṛḍhavratā ||5.16.15||
This is Sītā—the daughter of King Janaka of Mithilā, that great-souled and righteous man—steadfast in her vow of unwavering devotion to her husband.
She had risen from the land when tilled by the plough and was covered with auspicious paddy dust resembling the pollen grains of lotuses, this daughter ofJanaka, the great righteous ruler of Mithila, This lady with unswerving devotion to her husband.
Dharma is presented as steadfastness in righteous conduct and fidelity: Sītā is defined by lineage of righteousness (Janaka) and by unwavering commitment to her marital vow.
Hanumān, having seen her, confirms Sītā’s identity and recalls her noble origin and character.
Sītā’s steadfast fidelity and moral firmness under adversity.