Shloka 5.25.6

सीताविलापः (Sita’s Lament amid Rākṣasī Threats)

Devanagari script

सा त्वशोकस्य विपुलां शाखामालम्ब्य पुष्पिताम्।चिन्तयामास शोकेन भर्तारं भग्नमानसा।।5.25.6।।

Transliteration

sā tv aśokasya vipulāṁ śākhām ālambya puṣpitām | cintayāmāsa śokena bhartāraṁ bhagnamānasā || 5.25.6 ||

Translation

Clinging to a large, flowering branch of the Aśoka tree, Sītā—her heart broken by grief—thought only of her husband.

Context

Laying hold on a large blossoming branch of the Ashoka tree, Sita thought of her husband with a broken heart.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Aśoka tree
• Rāma (as bhartā)

FAQs

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

Steadfast fidelity and moral constancy in adversity: even in captivity, Sītā’s mind remains anchored in her rightful bond to her husband, reflecting pativratā-dharma aligned with satya (truthfulness to one’s vows and identity).

What is the narrative situation?

In Laṅkā’s Aśoka-vana, Sītā is surrounded by threats and sorrow; she physically clings to a tree branch while mentally dwelling on Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Single-minded devotion and resilience—Sītā’s unwavering attachment to dharma despite emotional collapse and external danger.