Shloka 253
ददृशे स्वसिता स्निग्धा काली व्यालीव मूर्थनि । अच्छी तरह रोती हुई भामिनी सीताके मस्तकपर बँधी हुई स्निग्ध, असित एवं विशाल वेणी काली नागिनके समान दिखायी देती थी
dadṛśe svasitā snigdhā kālī vyālīva mūrdhani |
Di atas kepala Sītā tampak kepang rambutnya—hitam, berkilau, dan tebal—laksana seekor ular betina hitam.
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse uses a vivid simile to evoke compassion and moral reflection: a virtuous person may endure intense sorrow, yet dignity and inner strength remain. It encourages reverence for steadfastness (dharma) amid suffering rather than judging by outward distress.
Mārkaṇḍeya is describing Sītā in a state of grief—sighing and weeping—focusing on the appearance of her dark, glossy braid on her head, which looks like a black she-serpent. The description heightens the emotional atmosphere and emphasizes her plight.