Shloka 3.47.45

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

Devanagari script

यदन्तरं सिंहशृगालयोर्वने यदन्तरं स्यन्दिनिका समुद्रयोः।सुराग्र्य सौवीरकयोर्यदन्तरं तदन्तरं वै तव राघवस्य च।।3.47.45।।

Transliteration

yadantaraṁ siṁhaśṛgālayor vane yadantaraṁ syandinikā samudrayoḥ | surāgrya sauvīrakayor yadantaraṁ tadantaraṁ vai tava rāghavasya ca || 3.47.45 ||

Translation

The gap between you and Raghava is the gap between a lion and a jackal in the forest, between a mere ditch and the sea, and between the finest wine and sour gruel.

Context

The difference between you and Rama is the difference between a jackal and a lion in the forest, between a ditch and the sea, and between sour gruel and the best of wines.

Characters & Entities

• Mārīca
• Rāvaṇa
• Rāghava (Rāma)

FAQs

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

Dharma demands truthful assessment of strength and right: ignoring reality and righteousness leads to reckless adharma and downfall.

What is the narrative situation?

Mārīca bluntly contrasts Rāvaṇa with Rāma to deter him from provoking a superior, righteous opponent.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s greatness and rightful power; and the virtue of humility in recognizing moral and martial superiority.