Shloka 6.48.20

सीताविलापः—त्रिजटासान्त्वनं च (Sita’s Lament and Trijata’s Consolation)

Devanagari script

नशोचामितथारामंलक्ष्मणंचमहारथम् ।वात्मानंजननींचापियथाश्वश्रूंतपस्विनीम् ।।।।

Transliteration

na śocāmi tathā rāmaṁ lakṣmaṇaṁ ca mahāratham | vā ātmānaṁ jananīṁ cāpi yathā śvaśrūṁ tapasvinīm ||

Translation

I do not grieve so much for Rāma, nor for Lakṣmaṇa the great chariot-warrior, nor even for myself or my own mother—as I grieve for my ascetic mother-in-law.

Context

"When I think of Rama or even great warrior Lakshmana, or my mother or myself I am not so sad as when I think of my mother-in-law who is an observer of austerity."

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Kauśalyā (implied as mother-in-law)
• Sītā’s mother (implied)

FAQs

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

Dharma is expressed as empathy and reverence within family bonds: Sītā’s sorrow turns toward the suffering of the righteous elder (her mother-in-law), showing compassion beyond self-concern.

What is the narrative situation?

Assuming disaster has struck in the war, Sītā reflects on who will suffer most and grieves especially for Kauśalyā, the austere mother of Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s compassion and filial respect (sevā-bhāva toward elders) is emphasized.