Shloka 5.19.20

सीताव्यथा-वर्णनम् / Sītā’s Distress and Rāvaṇa’s Attempt at Coercive Allurement

Devanagari script

एकया दीर्घया वेण्या शोभमानामयत्नतः।नीलया नीरदापाये वनराज्या महीमिव।।।।

Transliteration

ācchādyodaramūrubhyāṃ bāhubhyāṃ ca payodharau |

upaviṣṭā viśālākṣī rudantī varavarṇinī ||

Translation

Large-eyed, fair-complexioned Sītā sat there weeping, covering her belly and thighs, and also her breasts, with her arms.

Context

She was lovely even with a single braid of unkempt hair like the earth with a single row of dark trees covering its surface at the end of the rainy season.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā

FAQs

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

Even in extreme distress, Sītā’s modesty and self-restraint are preserved; this reflects dharma as inner discipline and dignity that do not collapse under suffering.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā is shown seated in captivity (Aśoka-vana context), crying—an image that prepares for Rāvaṇa’s approach and coercion.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Śīla and lajjā (modesty/dignity), along with steadfast endurance in adversity.