Ramayana — Sundara Kanda, Sarga 24, Shloka 25
सीताभर्त्सना
The Ogresses’ Threats to Sita and Her Vow of Fidelity
मानुषं कृपणं रामं त्यक्त्वा, रावणमाश्रय।दिव्याङ्गरागा वैदेहि दिव्याभरणभूषिता।।5.24.25।।अद्यप्रभृति सर्वेषां लोकानामीश्वरी भव।
mānuṣaṃ kṛpaṇaṃ rāmaṃ tyaktvā, rāvaṇam āśraya |
divyāṅgarāgā vaidehi divyābharaṇabhūṣitā || 5.24.25 ||
adyaprabhṛti sarveṣāṃ lokānām īśvarī bhava |
হে বৈদেহী! করুণ মানব রামকে ত্যাগ করে রাবণের শরণ গ্রহণ করো। দিব্য অঙ্গরাগে অভিষিক্ত ও দিব্য অলংকারে ভূষিতা হয়ে আজ থেকে তুমি সকল লোকের অধীশ্বরী হও।
'Leave the helpless human Rama and seek Ravana's refuge. O Vaidehi, using the heavenly unguents and adorned with imposing ornaments from now on, be the queen of all people.
FAQs
It contrasts dharma with allure: abandoning one’s rightful commitment for wealth and status is presented as desirable, but the epic’s ethical stance treats such inducement—especially under captivity—as adharma.
Sītā is offered luxury and sovereignty as a bribe to accept Rāvaṇa and renounce Rāma.
Fidelity (pativratā-dharma) and integrity: Sītā’s refusal defines her commitment to truth and righteousness over comfort.