Shloka 5.16.16
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।।
utthitā medinīṃ bhittvā kṣetre halamukhakṣate |
padmareṇunibhaiḥ kīrṇā śubhaiḥ kedārapāṃsubhiḥ ||5.16.16||
She arose by splitting the earth, in a field scarred by the plough’s edge, strewn with auspicious dust from the paddy-beds, like the pollen-dust of lotuses.
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 of Janaka, the great righteous ruler of Mithila, This lady with unswerving devotion to her husband.
Dharma is linked to sacred origin and purity: Sītā’s emergence from the earth symbolizes innocence and moral legitimacy, strengthening the ethical imperative to protect her and restore justice.
Hanumān recalls the traditional account of Sītā’s miraculous discovery in the ploughed field, underscoring her sanctity while he plans the next steps in Laṅkā.
Sītā’s auspicious purity and inherent dignity—qualities that demand dharmic protection and truthful advocacy.