Valmiki Ramayana 2.29.21 — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 29, Shloka 21
सीताया वनगमननिश्चयः
Sita’s Resolve to Accompany Rama to the Forest
ययदि मां दुःखितामेवं वनं नेतुं न चेच्छसि।विषमग्निं जलं वाऽहमास्थास्ये मृत्युकारणात्।।।।
yadi māṃ duḥkhitām evaṃ vanaṃ netuṃ na cecchasi | viṣam agniṃ jalaṃ vā 'ham āsthāsye mṛtyu-kāraṇāt ||
यदि मां दुःखितामेवं वनं नेतुं न चेच्छसि। विषमग्निं जलं वाऽहमास्थास्ये मृत्युकारणात्॥
Despite Sita's pleadings with him in various ways the mighty-armed Rama would not consent to take her to the desolate forest.
FAQs
It dramatizes the perceived inseparability of marital duty; however, ethically it also shows the tension between dharma and extreme emotional resolve, highlighting how dharmic ideals can be invoked under distress.
After repeated refusals, Sītā makes a drastic declaration to compel Rāma to accept her as a companion in exile.
Unyielding commitment (dṛḍha-niścaya), though expressed through a severe ultimatum born of grief and fear of separation.
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