Valmiki Ramayana 2.39.28: Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 39, Shloka 28
एकोनचत्वारिंशः सर्गः
Dasaratha’s Lament, Sumantra’s Commission, and Sita’s Vow of Marital Dharma
न मामसज्जनेनार्या समानयितुमर्हति।धर्माद्विचलितुं नाहमलं चन्द्रादिव प्रभा।।2.39.28।।
na mām asajjanenāryā samānayitum arhati |
dharmād vicalituṁ nāham alaṁ candrād iva prabhā || 2.39.28 ||
आर्या, मुझे बुरे लोगों से मत तोड़ोदिए। मैं धरम से हिल नहीं सकती। जैसे चाँद की चमक उससे कभी नहीं जाती, वैसे ही मैं भी अपने धरम को नहीं छोड़ सकती।
My worshipful mother-in-law should not equate me with wicked people (women). I cannot swerve from the path of virtue like radiance which never leaves the Moon.
FAQs
Dharma is presented as unwavering moral identity: Sītā asserts that righteousness is intrinsic to her, not contingent on circumstance or suspicion.
Sītā answers protective, cautionary counsel by affirming her steadfastness and refusing any comparison with unfaithful conduct.
Integrity and steadfastness (dharma-niṣṭhā), expressed through the moon-and-radiance simile to show inseparability from virtue.
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