Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 28, Shloka 3
सीतानिवर्तनप्रयत्नः
Rama’s Attempt to Dissuade Sita from Forest Exile
सीते महाकुलीनाऽसि धर्मे च निरता सदा।इहाऽचर स्वधर्मं त्वं मे यथा मनसस्सुखम्।।2.28.3।।
sīte mahākulīnā ’si dharme ca niratā sadā |
ihācara svadharmaṃ tvaṃ me yathā manasaḥ sukham || 2.28.3 ||
ಹೇ ಸೀತೆ, ನೀನು ಮಹಾಕುಲದಲ್ಲಿ ಜನಿಸಿದವಳು ಮತ್ತು ಸದಾ ಧರ್ಮನಿಷ್ಠೆ ಹೊಂದಿರುವವಳು. ಆದ್ದರಿಂದ ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಉಳಿದು ನಿನ್ನ ಸ್ವಧರ್ಮವನ್ನು ಆಚರಿಸು—ನನ್ನ ಮನಸ್ಸಿಗೆ ಶಾಂತಿ ದೊರಕುವಂತೆ.
There are various physical afflictions and fears for one who lives in the forest. Therefore, forest brings suffering.
FAQs
The verse emphasizes svadharma—fulfilling one’s rightful duty according to one’s role and situation—as a stabilizing force that preserves righteousness and inner peace.
Rāma addresses Sītā in Ayodhyā, urging her to remain behind rather than accompany him into forest exile, framing his counsel in terms of dharma.
Rāma’s prudence and protective responsibility (maryādā) are highlighted, as he appeals to Sītā’s devotion to dharma while seeking her welfare and his own peace of mind.