Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 32, Shloka 17
सीताविलापः
Sītā’s Lament over the Illusory Head and Bow
अर्चितंसततंयत्तद्गन्धमाल्यैर्मयातव ।इदंतेमप्रतियंवीरधनुःकाञ्चानभूषणम् ।।6.32.17।।
arcitaṃ satataṃ yat tad gandhamālyair mayā tava | idaṃ te mapratiyaṃ vīra dhanuḥ kāñcanabhūṣaṇam || 6.32.17 ||
اے ویر! یہ تمہارا وہی سونے سے آراستہ دھنش ہے جسے ہم نے ہمیشہ خوشبوؤں اور پھولوں کے ہاروں سے پوجا میں سجا کر عقیدت سے ارچنا کی تھی—اب یہ یہاں پڑا ہے۔
"O Hero! This bow that was decorated with gold was always worshipped with sandal and flowers diligently by you and me with utmost devotion."
FAQs
It reflects reverence for righteous instruments of protection: the hero’s weapon is treated not as violence but as a dharmic tool honored with restraint and devotion.
Sita points to Rama’s bow—once ritually honored—as a poignant sign of his present helplessness.
Devotional discipline and respect for sacred duty—honoring what serves protection and justice.