Shloka 5.40.5

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

Devanagari script

मनश्शिलायास्तिलको गण्डपार्श्वे निवेशितः।त्वया प्रणष्टे तिलके तं किल स्मर्तुमर्हसि।।5.40.5।।

Transliteration

manaḥśilāyās tilako gaṇḍapārśve niveśitaḥ | tvayā praṇaṣṭe tilake taṃ kila smartum arhasi ||5.40.5||

Translation

And remind him of this too: when my tilaka-mark had been rubbed away, you indeed placed a tilaka again on the side of my cheek using the red pigment of manaḥśilā; he should remember that incident.

Context

'(Further remind him), 'When my tilaka mark was erased, you painted tilaka with a stone (manas-sita pigment) nearby. O Rama! you should remember that (incident).

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sītā
• Hanumān
• tilaka
• manaḥśilā (red pigment)

FAQs

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

Dharma is upheld through satya (truth) and proper testimony: Sītā points to a private, verifiable memory as ethical evidence, preventing deception and ensuring righteous response.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā continues giving Hanumān intimate details to convey to Rāma so that Rāma can be certain the message truly comes from her.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s tenderness and marital devotion are recalled; Sītā highlights the affectionate care he showed, reinforcing the legitimacy of their bond.