Shloka 6.32.23

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

Devanagari script

कल्याणैरुचितंयत्तत्परिष्वक्तंमयैवतु ।क्रव्यादैस्तच्छरीरंतेमानंविपरिकृष्यते ।।6.32.23।।

Transliteration

kalyāṇair ucitaṃ yat tat pariṣvaktaṃ mayaiva tu |

kravyādais tac charīraṃ te mānaṃ viparikṛṣyate ||6.32.23||

Translation

That body of yours—fit for auspicious adornment and once embraced by me alone with reverence—is now being dragged about with indignity by flesh-eating creatures.

Context

"This body which used to be decorated by me with auspicious items, with great respect is dragged by cruel animals."

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāma
• kravyāda (flesh-eating creatures)

FAQs

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

Respect for the human body and proper rites: Sītā’s lament implies the dharmic need for dignified treatment after death, contrasting it with a horrifying, unrighteous end.

What is the narrative situation?

In her delusion of Rāma’s death, Sītā imagines his body exposed to desecration by scavengers.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Reverence (māna) and tenderness—Sītā’s love is expressed as honoring what is sacred and worthy.