Shloka 5.40.10

अभिज्ञानदानम् / The Gift of Recognition (Sita’s Token and Resolve)

Devanagari script

धारयिष्यामि मासं तु जीवितं शत्रुसूदन।ऊर्ध्वं मासान्न जीविष्ये त्वया हीना नृपात्मज।।5.40.10।।

Transliteration

dhārayiṣyāmi māsaṃ tu jīvitaṃ śatrusūdana | ūrdhvaṃ māsān na jīviṣye tvayā hīnā nṛpātmaja ||

Translation

“O subduer of enemies, O prince: I will sustain my life for only one month. Beyond that month, separated from you, I shall not live.”

Context

"O subduer of enemies! O prince! I will hold on to life only for a month. I will not survive beyond a month in your absence.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāma

FAQs

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

Dharma appears as unwavering fidelity (pativratā-dharma): Sītā’s life is anchored in truth and loyalty to Rāma, even under coercion.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā tells Hanumān the limit of her endurance in captivity and urges timely rescue by conveying her condition to Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadfastness and truthful resolve: she states her condition plainly, without compromise or false hope.