Shloka 5.16.28

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

Devanagari script

इमामसितकेशान्तां शतपत्रनिभेक्षणाम्।सुखार्हां दुःखितां दृष्ट्वा ममापि व्यथितं मनः।।5.16.28।।

Transliteration

tulyaśīlavayovṛttāṃ tulyābhijanalakṣaṇām |

rāghavo'rhati vaidehīṃ taṃ ceyam asitekṣaṇā ||5.16.5||

Translation

Rāghava is worthy of Vaidehī—she who matches him in character, age, conduct, lineage, and auspicious marks; and this dark-eyed lady is worthy of him.

Context

Sita who is endowed with beautiful dark hair and eyes like a hundred-petalled lotus, who deserves to be happy is in sorrow. I grieve to see her in this state.

Characters & Entities

• Raghava (Rama)
• Vaidehi (Sita)

FAQs

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

It affirms the dharmic ideal of marriage as a partnership of equal virtues—compatibility in character and conduct, not merely external status.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanuman, assessing Sītā’s identity and nobility, reflects on the fitting union of Rāma and Sītā to confirm she truly is Vaidehī.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The exemplary harmony of Rāma and Sītā—integrity, noble conduct, and suitability in dharma.