Shloka 178
Mārkaṇḍeya’s Birth and Boon; Puṣkara’s Glory; Rāma’s Śrāddha; Refuge-Hymn to Śiva
ततः सीताऽब्रवीद्रामं त्यक्तः किमनुजस्त्वया । वैषम्यं त्यज्यतां बाले लक्ष्मणे लक्ष्मिवर्धने
tataḥ sītā'bravīdrāmaṃ tyaktaḥ kimanujastvayā | vaiṣamyaṃ tyajyatāṃ bāle lakṣmaṇe lakṣmivardhane
Kemudian Sītā berkata kepada Rāma: “Mengapa engkau meninggalkan adikmu? Wahai anak, dalam hal Lakṣmaṇa—yang menambah kemuliaan dan rezeki—tinggalkanlah sikap berat sebelah.”
Sītā
Concept: Family-dharma requires impartial care and honoring the devoted helper; do not let perceived favoritism fracture unity.
Application: In family/teams, explicitly acknowledge the quiet supporter; correct bias early with gentle speech and restore trust through inclusion.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Sītā, seated beside Rāma in a forest hermitage, turns with earnest eyes and a raised, gentle palm as she questions the appearance of neglect toward Lakṣmaṇa. Lakṣmaṇa stands slightly behind, bow lowered, his face calm yet wounded, while the forest seems to pause—birds quiet, leaves still—around the moral weight of her words.","primary_figures":["Sītā","Śrī Rāma","Lakṣmaṇa"],"setting":"Dandaka-like forest edge near a simple leaf-hut (parṇaśālā), with a small fire altar, deer paths, and flowering creepers.","lighting_mood":"forest dappled","color_palette":["leaf green","earth brown","saffron ochre","lotus pink","indigo blue"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Sītā admonishing Rāma with compassionate firmness in a forest parṇaśālā; Rāma with serene halo and jeweled crown, Lakṣmaṇa behind with bow and quiver; heavy gold leaf halos, rich vermilion and emerald textiles, gem-studded ornaments, ornate floral borders, South Indian iconographic symmetry.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate forest dialogue of Sītā and Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa slightly behind; delicate brushwork, soft facial expressions, cool greens and browns, lyrical trees and vines, subtle emotion in eyes, minimal jewelry, Himalayan-style landscape depth and misty distance.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlined figures of Rāma, Sītā, Lakṣmaṇa in a stylized forest; large expressive eyes, flat yet vibrant natural pigments, red-yellow-green dominance with indigo accents, decorative foliage patterns, temple-wall aesthetic with calm dharmic gravity.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: Vaishnava forest court with lotus and creeper motifs framing Sītā’s counsel to Rāma; intricate floral borders, deep blue and gold highlights, peacocks at the edges, devotional symmetry, textile-like detailing and patterned garments."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["forest birds","soft wind in leaves","distant flowing water","gentle temple bell"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: सीताऽब्रवीत् = सीता + अब्रवीत्; अब्रवीद्रामम् = अब्रवीत् + रामम्; किमनुजः = किम् + अनुजः
FAQs
Sītā is speaking, addressing Rāma, questioning why he has left his younger brother Lakṣmaṇa.
The verse stresses fairness and the duty to avoid partiality—especially in how one treats devoted family members and companions like Lakṣmaṇa.
It is an honorific describing Lakṣmaṇa as auspicious and beneficial—one whose presence and service support wellbeing, success, and righteous order.