Valmiki Ramayana 5.17.22 — Sundara Kanda, Sarga 17, Shloka 22
सप्तदशः सर्गः
Hanuman Beholds Sita in the Ashoka Grove
चन्द्ररेखां पयोदान्ते शारदाभ्रैरिवावृताम्।।।।क्लिष्टरूपामसंस्पर्शादयुक्तामिव वल्लकीम्।
candrarēkhāṃ payōdānte śāradābhrair ivāvṛtām |
kliṣṭarūpām asaṃsparśād ayuktām iva vallakīm ||5.17.22||
மழைக்கால முடிவில் சரத்கால மேகங்கள் மறைத்த சந்திரக்கலையைப் போல அவள் தோன்றினாள். கணவனின் ஸ்பரிச-சாந்நித்யம் இன்றிக் களைத்துக் குன்றி, இசை மங்கிய பயன்பாடற்ற யாழ் போல இருந்தாள்।
She appeared like a streak (crescent) of Moon covered by autumnal clouds at the close of the rainy season. She looked haggard since she was out of contact with her husband- an unused lute with its strings let loose.
FAQs
The verse underscores the dharmic bond of marriage: separation inflicted by adharma causes deep suffering, yet Sītā’s truthfulness and fidelity remain unbroken.
Hanumān contemplates Sītā’s fragile condition and expresses it through layered similes (crescent moon; unused lute).
Sītā’s steadfast love and purity—enduring absence without moral compromise.
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