Shloka 6.32.33

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

Devanagari script

इतिसदुःखसन्तप्ताविललापायतेक्षणा ।भर्तुश्शिरोधनुस्तत्रसमीक्ष्यचपुनःपुनः ।।6.32.33।।

Transliteration

iti sa-duḥkha-santaptā vilalāpa āyatīkṣaṇā |

bhartuḥ śiro dhanuś tatra samīkṣya ca punaḥ punaḥ ||6.32.33||

Translation

Thus, consumed by grievous sorrow, the wide-eyed Sītā lamented—again and again gazing there at her husband’s head and bow.

Context

Burning in sorrow, the broad eyed Sita gazing at the head of her husband and the bow again and again lamented.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāma
• Rāma’s bow (implied)

FAQs

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

The verse illustrates the human cost when dharma seems defeated: grief is portrayed not as weakness but as the emotional truth (satya) of love and duty under apparent catastrophe.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā repeatedly looks at the displayed tokens (head and bow) and laments, believing them to belong to Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Enduring devotion: her repeated gaze shows fixation on the beloved and the depth of her commitment.