Shloka 6.31.11

मायाशिरोप्रदर्शनम् (The Display of the Illusory Head of Rāma)

Devanagari script

ततोदीनामदैन्यार्हांददर्शधनदानुजः ।।।।अधोमुखींशोकपरामुपविष्टांमहीतले ।भर्तारमेवध्यायन्तीमशोकवविकांगताम् ।।।।

Transliteration

tato dīnām adainyārhāṃ dadarśa dhanadānujaḥ |

adhomukhīṃ śoka-parām upaviṣṭāṃ mahī-tale |

bhartāram eva dhyāyantīm aśoka-vanikāṃ gatām ||6.31.11–12||

Translation

Then Dhanada’s younger brother (Rāvaṇa) saw Sītā—sorrowful though undeserving of such misery—seated on the ground with her face cast down, overwhelmed with grief, thinking only of her husband in the Aśoka grove.

Context

Thereafter, the younger brother of Kubera (Ravana) saw sad Sita, who did not deserve that piteous condition, who had been reduced to sorrowful state, seated on the ground in Asoka grove, with her head bent down filled with sorrow contemplating on her husband alone.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāvaṇa
• Kubera (Dhanada)
• Aśoka-vana (Aśoka grove)

FAQs

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

Sītā’s steadfast fidelity and truthfulness of heart (satya in commitment) is presented as dharma: even under coercion, she remains anchored in loyalty to her rightful spouse.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa comes to the Aśoka grove and sees Sītā seated on the ground, grieving and absorbed in thoughts of Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s constancy (steadfastness) and purity of intent—unbroken devotion despite fear and deprivation.