Shloka 23
सीताया वनानुगमननिश्चयः
Sita’s Resolve to Accompany Rama to the Forest
सा विद्धा बहुभिर्वाक्यैर्दिग्धैरिव गजाङ्गना।चिरसन्नियतं बाष्पं मुमोचाग्निमिवारणिः।।2.30.23।।
sā viddhā bahubhir vākyair digdhair iva gajāṅganā | cira-sanniyataṃ bāṣpaṃ mumoca agnim ivāraṇiḥ || 2.30.23 ||
Ditembusi oleh banyak kata-kata itu, bagaikan gajah betina terkena anak panah beracun, dia melepaskan air mata yang lama ditahan—seperti kayu penggesek api yang akhirnya mengeluarkan nyala.
Pierced by so many words (of objection from Rama), Sita felt like a cow-elephant penetrated by poison-smeared arrrows. And shed her long-suppressed tears like arani (a fire-kindling stick) kindling fire.
FAQs
Dharma is shown as sensitivity in speech and action: harsh words can wound deeply; the epic warns that righteousness must include compassionate communication.
After being met with repeated objections, Sītā’s composure breaks and her suppressed tears finally flow.
Endurance up to a limit—she restrains herself long, then naturally releases grief when overwhelmed.