Shloka 5.28.17

सीताविलापः (Sita’s Lament and Resolve under Threat)

Devanagari script

इतीव देवी बहुधा विलप्य सर्वात्मना राममनुस्मरन्ती।प्रवेपमाना परिशुष्कवक्त्रा नगोत्तमं पुष्पितमाससाद।।5.28.17।।

Transliteration

itīva devī bahudhā vilapya sarvātmanā rāmam anusmarantī |

pravepamānā pariśuṣka-vaktrā nagottamaṃ puṣpitam āsasāda ||5.28.17||

Translation

Thus the queen, lamenting in many ways and with her whole being remembering Rāma, trembled; her face grown pale and dried, she drew near the finest of trees, in bloom.

Context

Queen Sita was wailing in many ways, constantly remembering Rama, the soul of all. Shivering, her face pales as she approached the great Simsupa tree in bloom.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāma
• Siṃśupā tree

FAQs

How does this verse reflect Satya (truthfulness) in the Ramayana?

Sītā’s unwavering remembrance of Rāma amid fear and suffering shows fidelity to truth in relationship and intention—she does not allow circumstance to alter her inner commitment.

What dharmic ideal is highlighted by Sītā approaching the blossoming tree while lamenting?

The verse highlights steadfastness and purity under trial: even in captivity, Sītā endures with self-control and loyalty, embodying dharma through resilience rather than retaliation.