Shloka 3.47.1

सीतारावणसंवादः — Ravana Reveals Himself; Sita Affirms Rama’s Dharma

Devanagari script

रावणेन तु वैदेही तदा पृष्टा जिहीर्षता।परिव्राजकरूपेण शशंसात्मानमात्मना।।3.47.1।।

Transliteration

rāvaṇena tu vaidehī tadā pṛṣṭā jihīrṣatā |

parivrājakarūpeṇa śaśaṃsātmānam ātmanā ||

Translation

Then Vaidehī, questioned by Rāvaṇa—who, disguised as a wandering mendicant, meant to abduct her—spoke of herself in her own words.

Context

Then Ravana in the guise of a mendicant with crooked intention to abduct her, asked Vaidehi to tell him about herself.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Sītā (Vaidehī)
• mendicant (parivrājaka)

FAQs

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

Sītā’s openness reflects satya and proper conduct toward an apparent ascetic; the verse also warns that adharma may exploit dharmic trust.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa, disguised as a parivrājaka, questions Sītā; she begins to identify herself and her circumstances.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s truthfulness and courteous responsiveness to a guest-like figure are emphasized.