Shloka 5.25.19

सीताविलापः (Sita’s Lament amid Rākṣasī Threats)

Devanagari script

जीवितं त्यक्तुमिच्छामि शोकेन महता वृता।राक्षसीभिश्च रक्षन्त्या रामो नासाद्यते मया।।5.25.19।।

Transliteration

bhartāraṃ tam apaśyantī rākṣasī-vaśam āgatā | sīdāmi khalu śokena kūlaṃ toyahataṃ yathā || 5.25.15 ||

Translation

Not seeing my husband, and fallen under the control of these rākṣasīs, I truly sink with grief—like a riverbank worn away by rushing waters.

Context

'I long to give up my life, afflicted with great grief, as I, well-guarded by these ogresses, have no hope to reach Rama.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rākṣasīs
• Rāma (as husband, implied)

FAQs

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

Truthful acknowledgment of suffering without abandoning righteousness: Sītā names her condition honestly while remaining inwardly committed to dharma and fidelity.

What is the narrative situation?

In captivity, Sītā grieves that she cannot see Rāma and feels herself collapsing under sorrow while guarded by rākṣasīs.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Emotional honesty joined to steadfast loyalty—she mourns deeply but does not renounce her moral stance.