Shloka 5.40.6

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

Devanagari script

स वीर्यवान्कथं सीतां हृतां समनुमन्यसे।वसन्तीं रक्षसां मध्ये महेन्द्रवरुणोपमः।।5.40.6।।

Transliteration

sa vīryavān kathaṃ sītāṃ hṛtāṃ samanumanyase | vasantīṃ rakṣasāṃ madhye mahendrvaruṇopamaḥ ||5.40.6||

Translation

How can you, so valiant—like Mahendra and Varuṇa—endure that Sītā has been abducted and is living in the midst of the Rākṣasas?

Context

'Rama! you are like Indra and Varuna in valiance. How are you tolerating Sita seized, dwelling among the demons?

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sītā
• Rākṣasas
• Mahendra (Indra)
• Varuṇa

FAQs

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

The verse invokes kṣatriya-dharma: valor must translate into action against adharma (abduction and coercion). Endurance is not praised when it permits injustice to continue.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā, still captive, urges Rāma (through Hanumān) not to resign himself to her abduction and to act decisively to restore dharma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s heroic responsibility: his strength is framed as a moral obligation to protect and to rectify wrongs.