Shloka 21

षोडशः सर्गः (Sarga 16): Hanumān’s Recognition of Sītā and Renewed Lament

Devanagari script

सर्वान् भोगान्परित्यज्य भर्तृस्नेहबलात्कृता।अचिन्तयित्वा दुःखानि प्रविष्टा निर्जनं वनम्।।5.16.19।।संतुष्टा फलमूलेन भर्तृशुश्रूषणे रता।या परां भजते प्रीतिं वनेऽऽपि भवने यथा।।5.16.20।।सेयं कनकवर्णाङ्गी नित्यं सुस्मितभाषिणी।सहते यातनामेतामनर्थानामभागिनी।।5.16.21।।

Transliteration

seyaṃ kanaka-varṇāṅgī nityaṃ susmita-bhāṣiṇī | sahate yātanām etām anarthānām abhāginī ||5.16.21||

Translation

この女人こそ、黄金のように輝く肢体をもち、常に柔らかく微笑みを含む言葉を語り、かつて不幸に縁のなかったのに、今はこの責め苦に耐えている。

Word by Word

sāthat (she)

iyamthis (she)

kanakavarṇāṅgīgolden-complexioned (lit. having golden-colored limbs)

nityamalways

susmitabhāṣiṇīspeaking with a gentle smile

sahateendures

yātanāmtorture, torment

etāmthis

anarthānāmof calamities/misfortunes

abhāginīone who had no share (of such misfortunes before)

Context

"On account of her immense love towards her husband she has given up all kinds of luxuries, not caring for suffering. She was satisfied with fruits and roots in the desolate forest. Engaged in serving her husband, she experienced utmost joy as in her own palace. A lady of golden complexion who had not experienced suffering earlier is subjected to sorrow and is tolerating calamities in this way

Characters & Entities

Sita

FAQs

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

Forbearance under injustice: dharma may require enduring suffering without surrendering one’s integrity, especially when coercion aims to break one’s truth and fidelity.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanuman contrasts Sita’s naturally gentle, fortunate life with her present torture in captivity, heightening the moral urgency of her rescue.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Kṣamā/titikṣā (patient endurance) alongside unwavering dignity—Sita’s inner steadiness amid trauma.