Shloka 5.16.21
षोडशः सर्गः (Sarga 16): Hanumān’s Recognition of Sītā and Renewed Lament
सर्वान् भोगान्परित्यज्य भर्तृस्नेहबलात्कृता।अचिन्तयित्वा दुःखानि प्रविष्टा निर्जनं वनम्।।5.16.19।।संतुष्टा फलमूलेन भर्तृशुश्रूषणे रता।या परां भजते प्रीतिं वनेऽऽपि भवने यथा।।5.16.20।।सेयं कनकवर्णाङ्गी नित्यं सुस्मितभाषिणी।सहते यातनामेतामनर्थानामभागिनी।।5.16.21।।
seyaṃ kanaka-varṇāṅgī nityaṃ susmita-bhāṣiṇī | sahate yātanām etām anarthānām abhāginī ||5.16.21||
This very woman—golden-limbed, ever gentle and smiling in speech—who had never before shared in such misfortune, now endures this torment.
"On account of her immense love towards her husband she has given up all kinds of luxuries, not caring for suffering. She was satisfied with fruits and roots in the desolate forest. Engaged in serving her husband, she experienced utmost joy as in her own palace. A lady of golden complexion who had not experienced suffering earlier is subjected to sorrow and is tolerating calamities in this way
Forbearance under injustice: dharma may require enduring suffering without surrendering one’s integrity, especially when coercion aims to break one’s truth and fidelity.
Hanuman contrasts Sita’s naturally gentle, fortunate life with her present torture in captivity, heightening the moral urgency of her rescue.
Kṣamā/titikṣā (patient endurance) alongside unwavering dignity—Sita’s inner steadiness amid trauma.