Shloka 5.25.9
सीताविलापः (Sita’s Lament amid Rākṣasī Threats)
तस्याः सा दीर्घविपुला वेपन्त्या सीतया तदा।ददृशे कम्पिनी वेणी व्यालीव परिसर्पती।।5.25.9।।
tasyāḥ sā dīrgha-vipulā vepantyā sītayā tadā | dadṛśe kampinī veṇī vyālīva parisarpatī || 5.25.9 ||
Then, as Sītā trembled, her long, thick braid—quivering—seemed like a she-serpent crawling along.
The long, luxuriant braid of hair of the trembling Sita waving (in the wind), appeared like a crawling female serpent.
The verse supports a dharmic reading through vivid depiction of vulnerability: it underscores how righteousness can be maintained even when the body shows fear and instability.
Sītā’s trembling is so strong that even her hair-braid’s movement becomes a striking visual image in the scene.
Steadfastness beneath distress—her inner resolve contrasts with outward shaking.