Shloka 253
Dyumatsena’s Restoration and Sāvitrī’s Disclosure of Yama’s Boons (आरण्यकपर्व, अध्याय २८२)
ददृशे स्वसिता स्निग्धा काली व्यालीव मूर्थनि । अच्छी तरह रोती हुई भामिनी सीताके मस्तकपर बँधी हुई स्निग्ध, असित एवं विशाल वेणी काली नागिनके समान दिखायी देती थी
dadṛśe svasitā snigdhā kālī vyālīva mūrdhani |
Mārkaṇḍeya disse: Sobre a sua cabeça via-se—escura, lustrosa e espessa—sua trança, parecendo uma serpente fêmea negra. A imagem realça a dor e a vulnerabilidade de Sītā, e ao mesmo tempo sugere sua força interior e sua castidade: mesmo no luto, sua dignidade permanece intacta, e a narrativa convida à reverência pela virtude firme sob o sofrimento.
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse uses a vivid simile to evoke compassion and moral reflection: a virtuous person may endure intense sorrow, yet dignity and inner strength remain. It encourages reverence for steadfastness (dharma) amid suffering rather than judging by outward distress.
Mārkaṇḍeya is describing Sītā in a state of grief—sighing and weeping—focusing on the appearance of her dark, glossy braid on her head, which looks like a black she-serpent. The description heightens the emotional atmosphere and emphasizes her plight.