Shloka 3.46.3

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

Devanagari script

श्लक्ष्णकाषायसंवीतश्शिखी छत्री उपानही।वामे चांसेऽवसज्याथ शुभे यष्टिकमण्डलू।।।।परिव्राजकरूपेण वैदेहीमन्वपद्यत।

Transliteration

iha śākhāmṛgāḥ siṃhā dvīpi-vyāghra-mṛgās tathā |

ṛkṣās tarakṣavaḥ kaṅkāḥ kathaṃ tebhyo na bibhyasi ||

Translation

Here are monkeys and lions, and also leopards, tigers, and other beasts; bears, hyenas, and kanka-birds as well—how is it that you do not fear them?

Context

And then Ravana wearing fine orange robes, with hair knotted on the head, carrying a parasol, wearing sandals, hanging a kamandalu (water-pot), and a staff on the auspicious left shoulder walked towards Vaidehi like a mendicant.

Characters & Entities

• śākhāmṛga (monkeys)
• siṃha (lion)
• dvīpi (leopard/panther)
• vyāghra (tiger)
• ṛkṣa (bear)
• tarakṣu (hyena)
• kaṅka (kanka bird)

FAQs

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

It points to the tension between courage and caution: dharma values fearlessness, but not recklessness—especially in perilous environments.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa lists the forest’s dangers to frame Sītā’s presence as extraordinary and to draw out her identity.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s composure and steadiness are implied, even amid a wilderness portrayed as threatening.