Shloka 3.46.29

रावणस्य परिव्राजकवेषेण सीतासमीपगमनम् (Ravana Approaches Sita Disguised as a Mendicant)

Devanagari script

इह शाखामृगास्सिंहा द्वीपिव्याघ्रमृगास्तथा।ऋक्षास्तरक्षवः कङ्काः कथं तेभ्यो न बिभ्यसि।।।।

Transliteration

neha gacchanti gandharvā na devā na ca kinnarāḥ |

rākṣasānām ayaṃ vāsaḥ kathaṃ nu tvam ihāgatā ||

Translation

Gandharvas do not come here, nor do the gods, nor the Kinnaras. This place is a dwelling of rākṣasas—how then have you come here?

Context

There are monkeys, lions, panthers, tigers, hyenas, bears, kanka birds and other wild animals here. How is it that you are not afraid of them?

Characters & Entities

• Gandharvas
• Devas
• Kinnaras
• Rākṣasas
• Daṇḍaka forest (implied by setting)

FAQs

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

It underscores prudent awareness: dharma includes recognizing dangerous contexts and not being naïve about who inhabits a place.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa questions how Sītā arrived in a rākṣasa-haunted region, continuing his probing conversation.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The ideal of mindful caution is raised—especially relevant when one is alone and approached by strangers.