Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 37, Shloka 14
अयोध्याकाण्डे सर्गः ३७ — चीरधारणं, सीतासंकल्पः, वसिष्ठोपदेशः
Bark-Robe Episode and Vasistha’s Admonition
तस्यास्तत्क्षिप्रमागम्य रामो धर्मभृतां वरः।चीरं बबन्ध सीतायाः कौशेयस्योपरि स्वयम्।।2.37.14।।
tasyās tatkṣipram āgamya rāmo dharmabhṛtāṁ varaḥ | cīraṁ babandha sītāyāḥ kauśeyasyopari svayam || 2.37.14 ||
Lalu Rāma—yang paling utama antara para pemegang Dharma—segera datang kepadanya dan dengan tangannya sendiri mengikat pakaian kulit kayu itu pada Sītā, di atas pakaian sutera yang dipakainya.
Beholding Rama fastening the bark garment on Sita, the women of the inner apartment shed tears from their eyes.
FAQs
Dharma is expressed as protective care within righteousness: Rama helps Sita directly, ensuring her transition to forest-dharma is done with respect and responsibility.
Seeing Sita uncertain with the bark-cloth, Rama steps forward and ties it for her over her silk clothing.
Karunā (compassion) and maryādā (propriety): Rama’s attentive, dignified assistance to Sita.