Shloka 5.26.37

सीताविलापः — Sita’s Lament and Prophecy of Lanka’s Ruin

Devanagari script

ध्रुवं मां प्रातराशार्थे राक्षसः कल्पयिष्यति।साहं कथं करिष्यामि तं विना प्रियदर्शनम्।।।।रामं रक्तान्तनयनमपश्यन्ती सुदुःखिता।

Transliteration

dhruvaṃ māṃ prātarāśārthe rākṣasaḥ kalpayiṣyati |

sāhaṃ kathaṃ kariṣyāmi taṃ vinā priyadarśanam ||

rāmaṃ raktāntanayanam apaśyantī suduḥkhitā |

Translation

Surely this Rākṣasa intends to make me his morning meal. And without him—my beloved of pleasing presence—what can I do? Not seeing Rāma, whose eyes redden at the corners, I am plunged into deep sorrow.

Context

"This demon is determined to make me his morning meal. How can I do anything in the absence of my lord of pleasing countenance. I am distressed very much by not seeing Rama, possessed of eyes with a reddish tinge in the corners.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāma
• Rākṣasa (Rāvaṇa implied)

FAQs

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

The verse highlights the cruelty of violating dharma through violence and coercion against the innocent, and the moral duty of protection embodied by Rāma whom Sītā longs for.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā fears immediate harm (even death) at the hands of her captors and grieves her separation from Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s fidelity and steadfast love (pativratā-bhāva), holding to her rightful bond despite threats.