Valmiki Ramayana 2.39.31 — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 39, Shloka 31
एकोनचत्वारिंशः सर्गः
Dasaratha’s Lament, Sumantra’s Commission, and Sita’s Vow of Marital Dharma
साहमेवं गता श्रेष्ठा श्रुतधर्मपरावरा।आर्ये किमवमन्येऽहं स्त्रीणां भर्ता हि दैवतम्।।2.39.31।।
sāham evaṃ gatā śreṣṭhā śrutadharma-parāvarā |
ārye kim avamanye 'haṃ strīṇāṃ bhartā hi daivatam ||2.39.31||
साहमेवं शिक्षिता श्रेष्ठा श्रुतधर्मपरावरा। आर्ये कथं नु तं भर्तारमवमन्ये? स्त्रीणां हि भर्ता दैवतम्॥
Instructed about my obligations by an eminent lady (her mother?), imbued with these ideals, how can I, O exalted one, underestimate him (my husband)? For a woman the husband is a god indeed!
FAQs
The verse frames fidelity and reverence toward one’s spouse as a dharmic commitment grounded in education and tradition, presenting it as a truth (satya) Sītā will not violate.
Sītā responds to Kauśalyā, defending her unwavering stance toward Rāma and rejecting any suggestion of separating her welfare from his destiny.
Sītā’s integrity and constancy—holding to what she has learned as dharma despite impending hardship.
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