Shloka 4

हनूमत्सीतासंवादः

Hanumān–Sītā Dialogue and Identity Verification

Devanagari script

किमर्थम् तव नेत्राभ्यां वारि स्रवति शोकजम्।पुण्डरीकपलाशाभ्यां विप्रकीर्णमिवोदकम्।।।।

Transliteration

kimarthaṃ tava netrābhyāṃ vāri sravati śokajam | puṇḍarīkapalāśābhyāṃ viprakīrṇam ivodakam ||

Translation

எந்த காரணத்தால் உன் கண்களிலிருந்து சோகத்தால் பிறந்த நீர் வழிகிறது? வெண்தாமரையின் இதழ்களிலிருந்து சிதறி வழியும் நீரைப் போலத் தோன்றுகிறது.

Word by Word

ताम्that

अशोकस्यof the Aśoka tree

शाखाम्branch

साshe

विमुक्त्वाhaving let go

शोककर्शिताemaciated by sorrow

तस्याम्on that (branch/place)

एवindeed

अनवद्याङ्गीshe of flawless limbs

धरण्याम्on the ground

समुपाविशत्sat down/settled

Context

"Why are tears of grief flowing from your eyes like water trickling down a pair of petals of white lotuses?

Characters & Entities

Hanumān

Sītā

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Compassionate speech aligned with truth: Hanumān’s gentle inquiry reflects dharma in communication—seeking understanding before action.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān observes Sītā’s sorrow and asks why she is weeping, initiating a careful identification and reassurance.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Karunā (empathy) and sensitivity—Hanumān’s respectful attention to another’s suffering.