Shloka 5.26.9

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

Devanagari script

भिद्यतां भक्ष्यतां वापि शरीरं विसृजाम्यहम्।न चाप्यहं चिरं दुःखं सहेयं प्रियवर्जिता।।।।

Transliteration

bhidyatāṃ bhakṣyatāṃ vāpi śarīraṃ visṛjāmy aham | na cāpy ahaṃ ciraṃ duḥkhaṃ saheyaṃ priyavarjitā ||

Translation

Let my body be cut to pieces or even devoured—I will abandon it. Bereft of my beloved, I cannot endure this sorrow any longer.

Context

"I will give up my body. Break me into pieces or eat me up. I cannot bear the sorrow of separation from my dear Rama any longer.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāma (implied by priyavarjitā)

FAQs

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

The primacy of moral integrity over physical existence: Sītā treats the body as expendable when dharma and truth are threatened by coercion.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā, under threat in Lanka, expresses that she would rather die than continue in the agony of separation and dishonor.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Courage and steadfastness—refusing to be psychologically broken by intimidation.