Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 37, Shloka 13
अयोध्याकाण्डे सर्गः ३७ — चीरधारणं, सीतासंकल्पः, वसिष्ठोपदेशः
Bark-Robe Episode and Vasistha’s Admonition
कृत्वा कण्ठे च सा चीरमेकमादाय पाणिना।तस्थौ ह्यकुशला तत्र व्रीडिता जनकात्मजा।।2.37.13।।
kṛtvā kaṇṭhe ca sā cīram ekam ādāya pāṇinā | tasthau hy akuśalā tatra vrīḍitā janakātmajā || 2.37.13 ||
జనకనందిని సీత ఆ వేషంలో అనభ్యస్తగా, లజ్జతో, చీరపు ఒక చివరను మెడ వద్ద ఉంచి మరొక చివరను చేతిలో పట్టుకొని అక్కడే నిలిచింది.
Rama, foremost among protectors of righteousness, came forward quickly and fastened the bark himself over her silk garment.
FAQs
Dharma here highlights dignified acceptance of hardship: Sita attempts to adopt ascetic signs despite being untrained, showing commitment to righteous companionship.
Sita is being given bark garments for forest life; she is unfamiliar with how to wear them and pauses in modest embarrassment.
Lajjā (modesty) and resolve—Sita’s modest demeanor alongside her readiness to share Rama’s dharmic path.