Shloka 5.25.18

सीताविलापः (Sita’s Lament amid Rākṣasī Threats)

Devanagari script

कीदृशं तु महापापं मया जन्मान्तरे कृतम्।यनेदं प्राप्यते दुःखं मया घोरं सुदारुणम्।।5.25.18।।

Transliteration

vepate smādhikaṃ sītā viśantī aṅgam ātmanaḥ | vane yūtha-paribhraṣṭā mṛgī kokair ivārditā || 5.25.5 ||

Translation

Sītā trembled intensely, drawing her limbs inward—like a doe in the forest, separated from its herd and harried by wolves.

Context

'I do not know what great sin I have committed in my past life for which I experience this terrific, cruel affliction?

Characters & Entities

• Sītā

FAQs

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

Dharma includes compassion and the duty to protect the vulnerable; the simile condemns predatory power and underscores the moral urgency of rescue.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā, isolated among enemies, physically manifests fear and distress while being guarded in Laṅkā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Endurance—despite terror, she continues to survive without yielding her principles.