Shloka 5.38.14

अभिज्ञानप्रदानम् — The Token of Recognition (Chūḍāmaṇi) and the Crow Episode Recalled

Devanagari script

शैलस्य चित्रकूटस्य पादे पूर्वोत्तरे पुरा।।5.38.12।।तापसाश्रमवासिन्याः प्राज्यमूलफलोदके।तस्मिन्सिद्धाश्रमे देशे मन्दाकिन्या विदूरतः।।5.38.13।।तस्योपवनषण्डेषु नानापुष्पसुगन्धिषु।विहृत्य सलिले क्लिन्ना ममाङ्के समुपाविशमः।।5.38.14।।

Transliteration

śailasya citrakūṭasya pāde pūrvottare purā || 5.38.12 ||

Translation

Long ago, at the northeastern foot of Mount Citrakūṭa,

Context

'Long ago we were staying at Siddhasrama. This hermitage was situated to the northeast at the foot of Chitrakuta mountain which was not far from the river Mandakini. It had abundant roots, fruits and water. You sported with me in the gardens which were fragrant with many types of flowers and ponds. You sat down on my lap with wet clothes in the hermitage'.

Characters & Entities

• Citrakūṭa

FAQs

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

The verse anchors truth (satya) through precise remembrance of place and time, strengthening Sītā’s faithful testimony and the moral continuity of marriage (pativratā-dharma).

What is the narrative situation?

In Laṅkā, Sītā recalls earlier life with Rāma to move him (via Hanumān) and to authenticate her message through shared memories.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s steadfast fidelity and truthfulness—she invokes concrete shared history rather than vague emotion.