Shloka 6.32.29

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

Devanagari script

अहंदाशरथेनोढामोहात्स्वकुलपांसनी ।आर्यपुत्रस्यरामस्यभार्यामृत्युरजायत ।।6.32.29।।

Transliteration

etaiḥ sarvair abhijñānair abhijñāya suduḥkhitā |

nijagarhe ca kaikeyīṃ krośantī kurarī yathā ||6.32.3||

Translation

Recognizing it by all these signs, Sītā was overwhelmed with grief; crying out like a kurarī-bird, she reproached Kaikeyī.

Context

"In ignorance as an obloquy of his race, the noble son of Dasaratha married me. For such Rama's wife turned out to be his death."

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Kaikeyī
• kurarī (bird)

FAQs

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

The verse highlights how adharma (unrighteous choices) in governance and family duty can generate far-reaching suffering; Sītā’s reproach of Kaikeyī points to the moral accountability of decisions that violate dharma.

What is the narrative situation?

In Aśoka-vana, Sītā interprets the displayed ‘head and bow’ as proof of Rāma’s death; overwhelmed, she laments and blames Kaikeyī, whose boons caused Rāma’s exile.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s steadfast loyalty (pativratā-bhāva) is implicit: her grief arises from unwavering devotion to Rāma and the perceived collapse of their righteous life together.