Shloka 6.119.2

सीताया अग्निप्रवेशः (Sita’s Ordeal by Fire / Agni-Pariksha)

Devanagari script

सातदश्रुतपूर्वंहिजनेमहतिमैथिली ।श्रुत्वाभर्तृर्वचोरूक्षंलज्जयावनताभवत् ।।।।

Transliteration

sā tadā śrutapūrvaṃ hi jane mahati maithilī | śrutvā bhartuḥ vaco rūkṣaṃ lajjayā avanatābhavat || 6.119.2 ||

Translation

Then Maithilī, having heard her husband’s harsh words before the great assembly of people, bowed down in shame and stood with her face lowered.

Context

Then Mythili hearing her husband 's harsh words, in the presence of a large number of people, stayed bent with shyness.

Characters & Entities

• Maithilī (Sītā)
• Rāma (implied as husband)
• janāḥ (the assembled people)

FAQs

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

It highlights the tension between personal dignity and the social sphere: words spoken publicly can deeply affect honor (māna) and modesty (lajjā), and dharma requires restraint and responsibility in speech.

What is the narrative situation?

After the war, Sītā is confronted in a public setting; Rāma’s severe words are heard by many, and Sītā reacts with shame and lowered posture.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s modesty and self-restraint (lajjā, śīla), shown by her bowed demeanor even under emotional distress.