Ramayana — Sundara Kanda, Sarga 42, Shloka 6
द्विचत्वारिंशः सर्गः (Sarga 42): Omens in Laṅkā, Report to Rāvaṇa, and the Kinkara Assault
कोऽयं कस्य कुतो वायं किं निमित्तमिहागतः।कथं त्वया सहानेन संवादः कृत इत्युत।।5.42.6।।
ko 'yaṃ kasya kuto vāyaṃ kiṃ nimittam ihāgataḥ | kathaṃ tvayā sahānena saṃvādaḥ kṛta ity uta || 5.42.6 ||
“Who is this? Whose man is he? From where has he come, and for what purpose has he arrived here? And how did you come to speak with him?”
The great Wind-god's son killed the kinkaras, and returned to the archway desiring further combat.
FAQs
The verse foregrounds satya-seeking through inquiry, but also warns that questioning can be driven by adharma (control and suspicion) when used to threaten a captive.
The guards interrogate Sītā after witnessing a powerful stranger (Hanumān) and noticing that Sītā has interacted with him.
Sītā’s restraint and truthfulness are tested—she must respond carefully while remaining aligned with dharma.