Shloka 5.16.29
षोडशः सर्गः (Sarga 16): Hanumān’s Recognition of Sītā and Renewed Lament
क्षतिक्षमा पुष्करसन्निभाक्षी या रक्षिता राघवलक्ष्मणाभ्याम्।सा राक्षसीभिर्विकृतेक्षणाभिः संरक्ष्यते सम्प्रति वृक्षमूले।।5.16.29।।
bhartā nāma paraṃ nāryā bhūṣaṇaṃ bhūṣaṇād api |
eṣā tu rahitā tena bhūṣaṇārhā na śobhate ||5.16.26||
For a married woman, her husband is the highest ornament—greater than ornaments themselves. Separated from him, though she is worthy of adornment, she does not shine with it.
She who has beautiful eyes like lotus petals, was protected by the arms of both Rama and Lakshmna, who is tolerant like the earth and is guarded by the female demons ofhideous appearance under a tree.
It highlights marital fidelity and inner dignity: true honour is rooted in righteous relationship and character, not external decoration.
Hanuman notes Sītā’s lack of interest in adornment while separated from Rāma, reading it as a sign of her chastity and grief.
Sītā’s pativratā-dharma (steadfast devotion to her husband) and simplicity amid suffering.