Shloka 3.37.20

मारीचोपदेशः — Maricha’s Counsel to Ravana (On Rama’s Dharma and the Peril of Abduction)

Devanagari script

न सा धर्षयितुं शक्या मैथिल्योजस्विनः प्रिया।दीप्तस्येव हुताशस्य शिखा सीता सुमध्यमा।।।।

Transliteration

na sā dharṣayituṃ śakyā maithily ojasvinaḥ priyā | dīptasya eva hutāśasya śikhā sītā sumadhyamā ||

Translation

That slender-waisted Sītā—beloved of the mighty one—cannot be violated; she is like the leaping flame of a blazing fire.

Context

Sita is the darling of mighty Rama. With her slender waist, she is like the leaping flames of blazing fire and it is not possible for you to touch her.

Characters & Entities

• Mārīca
• Rāvaṇa
• Sītā
• Maithilī
• Rāma
• fire (metaphor)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Respect for another’s dignity and marital integrity is dharma; violating it burns the violator—like touching fire.

What is the narrative situation?

Mārīca warns that Sītā is untouchable to Rāvaṇa, using the metaphor of a dangerous flame.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s inviolability rooted in chastity and dharma, and Rāma’s mighty protection (ojas).