Shloka 6.5.11

सेनानिवेशः रामविलापश्च (Encampment on the Northern Shore; Rama’s Lament and Sandhyā)

Devanagari script

केदारस्येवकेदारस्सोदकस्यनिरूदकः ।उपस्नेहेनजीवामिजीवन्तींयच्छृणोमिताम् ।।।।

Transliteration

kēdārasy eva kēdāraḥ sōdakasya nirūdakaḥ | upasnehena jīvāmi jīvantīṃ yac chṛṇomi tām ||6.5.11||

Translation

Like a dry paddy-field that is moistened by the nearness of a watered one, I live on by that closeness alone—by hearing that she is still alive.

Context

I am living only because of hearing about her survival, just as a paddy field without water gets wet by the proximity of a neighboring paddy field with water.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sītā

FAQs

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

Dharma as hope anchored in truth: truthful information (that Sītā lives) becomes a moral and psychological support enabling righteous action to continue.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma explains that news of Sītā’s survival sustains him, even while she remains separated and endangered.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Faithful perseverance: he draws strength from a small but true assurance, maintaining resolve without collapsing into despair.