Shloka 6.5.16

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

Devanagari script

कथंजनकरजस्यदुहिताममचप्रिया ।राक्षसीमध्यगाशेतेस्नुषादशरथस्यच ।।।।

Transliteration

kathaṃ janakarājasya duhitā mama ca priyā | rākṣasīmadhyagā śete snuṣā daśarathasya ca ||6.5.16||

Translation

How is it that my beloved—daughter of King Janaka and daughter-in-law of Daśaratha—lies in the midst of the rākṣasīs?

Context

My beloved is king Janaka's daughter and daughter-in-law of Dasaratha. Yet she is sleeping amid Rakshasas. How is it?

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sītā
• Janaka
• Daśaratha
• Rākṣasīs

FAQs

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

Dharma as safeguarding honor and justice: a virtuous woman of noble lineage being forced among rākṣasīs highlights adharma, demanding rectification through righteous action.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma contemplates the indignity and danger of Sītā’s captivity, contrasting her royal lineage and rightful status with her present surroundings.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral outrage aligned with justice: Rāma’s shock is not mere pride but a recognition of violation of dharma and the urgency to restore rightful order.