Shloka 5.26.6

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

Devanagari script

अश्मसारमिदं नूनमथवाप्यजरामरम्।हृदयं मम येनेदं न दुःखेनावशीर्यते।।।।

Transliteration

aśmasāram idaṃ nūnam athavāpy ajarāmaram | hṛdayaṃ mama yenedaṃ na duḥkhenāvaśīryate ||

Translation

Surely my heart must be stone-hard—or else free from decay and death—for it is not torn apart even by such grief.

Context

"It may be, that my heart is made of stone or it has no age or death since it does not riven even with grief.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā

FAQs

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

The verse frames suffering as a test of inner steadfastness: even in intense sorrow, one’s commitment to dharma can demand endurance and self-control rather than moral collapse.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā reflects on her overwhelming grief in captivity and wonders why her heart has not broken under the pain of separation.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Kṣānti (forbearance) and mental resilience—strength that continues to uphold righteousness amid distress.