Shloka 5.28.11

सीताविलापः (Sita’s Lament and Resolve under Threat)

Devanagari script

हा राम सत्यव्रत दीर्घबाहो

हा पूर्णचन्द्रप्रतिमानवक्त्र।

हा जीवलोकस्य हितः प्रियश्च

वध्यां न मां वेत्सि हि राक्षसानाम्।।5.28.11।।

Transliteration

hā rāma satya-vrata dīrgha-bāho

hā pūrṇa-candra-pratimāna-vaktra |

hā jīva-lokasya hitaḥ priyaś ca

vadhyāṁ na māṁ vetsi hi rākṣasānām || 5.28.11 ||

Translation

Alas, O Rāma—steadfast in the vow of truth, long-armed; alas, O you whose face is like the full moon; alas, benefactor and beloved of the world of the living—do you not know that I am marked to be slain by the rākṣasas?

Context

"Alas, O long-armed one unfailing in vows, whose face shines like the full moon. Alas, beloved of all the worlds! you are dear to every one. How is it that you are not aware that I am going to be killed by the demons?

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāma
• Rākṣasas

FAQs

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

Satya and dharma are invoked as protective forces: Sītā appeals to Rāma’s truth-bound nature, implying that righteousness must respond to the suffering caused by adharma.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā, terrified after Rāvaṇa’s ultimatum, cries out internally to Rāma, fearing imminent death at the hands of the rākṣasas.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s satya-vrata (unfailing commitment to truth and vows) is foregrounded as the defining virtue that will ultimately restore moral order.