Shloka 6.32.14

सीताविलापः (Sītā’s Lament over the Illusory Head and Bow)

Devanagari script

अदृष्टंमृत्युमापन्नःकस्मात्त्वंनयशास्त्रवित् ।व्यसनानामुपायज्ञःकुशलोह्यसिवर्जने ।।6.32.14।।

Transliteration

adṛṣṭaṃ mṛtyum āpannaḥ kasmāt tvaṃ nayaśāstravit | vyasanānām upāyajñaḥ kuśalo hy asi varjane || 6.32.14 ||

Translation

How did unseen Death find an opening to seize you—when you are a knower of statecraft and the śāstras, skilled in discerning means and in averting calamities?

Context

"You are the knower of all sastras, and capable of warding off all calamities. How did death have a chance to meet you and overtake?"

Characters & Entities

• Sita
• Rama
• Mṛtyu (Death)
• Nayaśāstra (statecraft) (concept)

FAQs

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

It reflects the dharmic ideal of the ruler-hero: mastery of right means (upāya) and protection from harm—yet acknowledges the mystery of mortality.

What is the narrative situation?

Sita questions how Rama—renowned for prudence and strategy—could be overtaken in battle.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rama’s ideal competence as a dharmic leader (nayaśāstra-vit), praised even amid tragedy.