Shloka 5.34.26
सीताहनूमद्भाषणम् — Sita Tests the Messenger; Hanuman Offers Reassurance
एतां बुद्धिं तदा कृत्वा सीता सा तनुमध्यमा।।।।न प्रतिव्याजहाराथ वानरं जनकात्मजा।
etāṃ buddhiṃ tadā kṛtvā sītā sā tanumadhyamā ।
na prativyājahārātha vānaraṃ janakātmajā ॥
Having formed this resolve in her mind, Sītā—slender-waisted, Janaka’s daughter—did not reply to the vanara.
Having entertained such thoughts, Sita, the lady with a fairwaist, daughter of Janaka, did not respond to the vanara.
Prudence aligned with dharma: before trusting words, Sītā restrains speech, reflecting careful discernment (viveka) in a hostile setting.
After hearing Hanumān’s approach, Sītā internally decides how to respond; she remains silent rather than answering immediately.
Sītā’s self-control and discernment—she does not speak impulsively, guarding truth and safety under captivity.