Shloka 5.34.19
सीताहनूमद्भाषणम् — Sita Tests the Messenger; Hanuman Offers Reassurance
गुणान्रामस्य कथय प्रियस्य मम वानर।।।।चित्तं हरसि मे सौम्य नदीकूलं यथा रयः।
guṇān rāmasya kathaya priyasya mama vānara | cittaṃ harasi me saumya nadīkūlaṃ yathā rayaḥ ||
Tell me of the virtues of Rāma, who is dear to me, O vanara. Gentle one, you draw away my mind—like a river’s current carrying off its bank.
"O vanara! Rama's virtues are dear to me to hear. O gentle one! just as the current of the river wears away its banks, my mind is lured by your presence.
Dharma is the uplifting power of guṇa-kathana (recounting virtues): remembering the righteous qualities of Rāma steadies Sītā and directs the mind toward truth and hope.
Having opened to the possibility of good news, Sītā asks Hanumān to describe Rāma’s virtues; his words and presence begin to pull her mind away from despair.
Sītā’s steadfast love and moral clarity: she seeks Rāma’s guṇas, not mere comfort, showing her orientation to dharma-centered remembrance.