Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 60, Shloka 20
षष्टितमः सर्गः — Kausalyā’s Lament and Sumantra’s Consolation
Sītā’s Fearless Forest-Life
गजं वा वीक्ष्य सिंहं वा व्याघ्रं वा वनमाश्रिता।नाऽहारयति सन्त्रासं बाहू रामस्य संश्रिता।।।।
gajaṃ vā vīkṣya siṃhaṃ vā vyāghraṃ vā vanam āśritā |
nāhārayati santrāsaṃ bāhū rāmasya saṃśritā ||
वने निवसन्ती गजं वा सिंहं वा व्याघ्रं वा दृष्ट्वापि न सन्त्रासं प्राप्नोति; रामस्य बाहू आश्रित्य निर्भया भवति॥
'Turn back your chariot immediately and take me to the Dandaka forest. If I do not follow them, I shall enter the world of Yama'.
FAQs
It highlights dharma as mutual protection and trust within righteous companionship: fear is overcome through refuge in a protector committed to duty.
Sumantra reassures Kausalya that Sita remains unafraid even amid forest dangers because she is with Rama.
Courage grounded in trust—Sita’s steadiness and Rama’s protective strength.