Shloka 6.32.17
सीताविलापः (Sītā’s Lament over the Illusory Head and Bow)
अर्चितंसततंयत्तद्गन्धमाल्यैर्मयातव ।इदंतेमप्रतियंवीरधनुःकाञ्चानभूषणम् ।।6.32.17।।
arcitaṃ satataṃ yat tad gandhamālyair mayā tava | idaṃ te mapratiyaṃ vīra dhanuḥ kāñcanabhūṣaṇam || 6.32.17 ||
O hero—this very bow of yours, adorned with gold, which you and I always honored in devoted worship with perfumes and garlands—now lies here.
"O Hero! This bow that was decorated with gold was always worshipped with sandal and flowers diligently by you and me with utmost devotion."
It reflects reverence for righteous instruments of protection: the hero’s weapon is treated not as violence but as a dharmic tool honored with restraint and devotion.
Sita points to Rama’s bow—once ritually honored—as a poignant sign of his present helplessness.
Devotional discipline and respect for sacred duty—honoring what serves protection and justice.