Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 119, Shloka 22
सीताया अग्निप्रवेशः
Sita’s Ordeal by Fire / Agni-Pariksha
नहिरामंतदाकश्चित्कालान्तकयमोपमम् ।अनुनेतुमथोवक्तुंद्रष्टुंवाप्यशकत्सुहृत् ।।।।
na hi rāmaṃ tadā kaścit kālāntakayama-upamam | anunetum atho vaktuṃ draṣṭuṃ vāpy aśakat suhṛt || 6.119.22 ||
उस समय कालान्तक यम के समान प्रतीत होने वाले श्रीराम के पास कोई भी मित्र न जा सका—न उन्हें मनाने, न कुछ कहने, न तो उनकी ओर देखने तक का साहस कर सका।
Indeed, no friend or dear could see or speak or make a request or pacify Rama. at that time.
FAQs
It portrays the harsh gravity sometimes associated with judgment in dharma: when public legitimacy and moral order are at stake, the decision-maker may appear unapproachable and stern.
Rāma’s demeanor becomes so severe that even well-wishers hesitate; the atmosphere turns solemn as the ordeal is about to proceed.
Rāma’s uncompromising resolve (dṛḍhatā) in a moment framed as a test of truth and public righteousness.