Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 16, Shloka 10
सुमन्त्रदर्शनम् तथा रामस्य राजदर्शनाय प्रस्थानम्
Sumantra Meets Rama; Rama Departs to See the King
तं वैश्रवणसङ्काशमुपविष्टं स्वलङ्कृतम्।ददर्श सूतः पर्य्यङ्के सौवर्णे सोत्तरच्छदे।।2.16.8।।वराहरुधिराभेण शुचिना च सुगन्धिना।अनुलिप्तं परार्ध्येन चन्दनेन परन्तपम्।।2.16.9।।स्थितया पार्श्वतश्चापि वालव्यजनहस्तया।उपेतं सीतयाभूयश्चित्रया शशिनं यथा।।2.16.10।।
sthitayā pārśvataś cāpi vālavyajanahastayā |
upetaṃ sītayā bhūyaś citrayā śaśinaṃ yathā || 2.16.10 ||
Habang si Sītā ay nakatayo sa kanyang tabi, may hawak na pamaypay na buntot ng yak, muling nagningning si Rāma na parang Buwan na may kasamang bituing Citrā.
Sumantra beheld Rama, who resembled Kubera. Rama was sitting on a richlycovered golden couch, welladorned and anointed with precious, pure, fragrant red sandalpaste the colour of which appeared like the blood of a hog. With Sita standing by his side with a fan of yak's tail in her hand Rama, the tormentor of foes, looked like the Moon united with (the star) Chitra.
FAQs
The verse highlights maryādā (propriety) and harmonious household/royal conduct: Sītā’s attentive service and Rāma’s dignified presence reflect ordered, respectful relationships within dharma.
Sumantra has arrived and beholds Rāma seated in splendour, with Sītā standing beside him holding a ceremonial fan; the scene sets the tone for the king’s impending message.
Sītā’s devoted attentiveness and Rāma’s composed majesty—together portraying steadiness, grace, and adherence to royal and marital decorum.