Ramayana — Sundara Kanda, Sarga 23, Shloka 14
राक्षसी-भर्त्सना
The Demonesses’ Coercive Counsel to Sītā
समृद्धं स्त्रीसहस्रेण नानारत्नोपशोभितम्।।।।अन्तःपुरं समुत्सृज्य त्वामुपैष्यति रावणः।
samṛddhaṃ strīsahasreṇa nānāratnopaśobhitam | antaḥpuraṃ samutsṛjya tvām upaiṣyati rāvaṇaḥ ||
Rāvaṇa, abandoning his splendid inner palace—rich with a thousand women and adorned with many kinds of jewels—comes seeking you.
Another ogress called Vikata said, ' Know that he who has often defeated gods in war and has vanquished nagas, gandharvas and demons has come to you (seeking your favour)'.
FAQs
The verse illustrates adharma as possessive desire: Sītā is treated as an object of acquisition despite her rightful marriage. Dharma upholds consent, fidelity, and respect for another’s marriage; coercive pursuit violates satya and righteousness.
A demoness attempts to persuade Sītā by praising Rāvaṇa’s wealth and claiming he would forsake his harem for her.
Sītā’s chastity and loyalty (pativratā-dharma) are the virtues under pressure, contrasted with Rāvaṇa’s uncontrolled desire.
Read Valmiki Ramayana in the Vedapath app
Scan the QR code to open this directly in the app, with audio, word-by-word meanings, and more.