Shloka 5.25.13

सीताविलापः (Sita’s Lament amid Rākṣasī Threats)

Devanagari script

लोकप्रवादः सत्योऽयं पण्डितैः समुदाहृतः।अकाले दुर्लभो मृत्युः स्त्रिया वा पुरुषस्य वा।।5.25.12।।यदहमेवं क्रूराभी राक्षसीभिरिहार्दिता।जीवामि हीना रामेण मुहूर्तमपि दुःखिता।।5.25.13।।

Transliteration

yad aham evaṃ krūrābhī rākṣasībhir ihārditā |

jīvāmi hīnā rāmeṇa muhūrtam api duḥkhitā ||5.25.13||

Translation

And yet I live here—tormented by these cruel rākṣasīs, separated from Rāma, miserable even for a single moment.

Context

'There is a famous popular saying among the learned that untimely death is not possible either for a woman or a man.It is true that I am living in this miserable condition, deprived of Rama's company and tormented by these cruel ogresses here. Living in such conditions even for a moment is impossible. But nobody dies an untimely death.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāma
• rākṣasī (ogresses)

FAQs

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

It highlights the ethical weight of steadfastness: despite intense suffering and coercion, Sītā continues to live without abandoning dharma or truth.

What is the narrative situation?

Continuing her reflection, Sītā describes her present torment in Laṅkā and the pain of separation from Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Patient endurance (kṣamā/dhṛti) in adversity while maintaining fidelity.