Shloka 3.47.46

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

Devanagari script

यदन्तरं काञ्चनसीसलोहयोर्यदन्तरं चन्दनवारिपङ्कयोः।यदन्तरं हस्तिबिडालयोर्वने तदन्तरं दाशरथेस्तवैव च।।3.47.46।।

Transliteration

yadantaraṁ kāñcanasīsalohayor yadantaraṁ candanavāripaṅkayoḥ | yadantaraṁ hastibiḍālayor vane tadantaraṁ dāśaratheḥ tavaiva ca || 3.47.46 ||

Translation

The gulf between you and Daśaratha’s son is like that between gold and lead, between fragrant sandalwood and mire, and between an elephant and a cat in the forest.

Context

The difference between you and Rama is the difference between gold and lead, sandal and slime, an elephant and a cat of the forest.

Characters & Entities

• Mārīca
• Rāvaṇa
• Dāśarathi (Rāma)
• Daśaratha

FAQs

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

Satya (truthfulness) in self-evaluation is part of Dharma; recognizing purity, worth, and rightful authority prevents adharma.

What is the narrative situation?

Mārīca continues to dissuade Rāvaṇa by stressing the vast disparity between him and Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s moral ‘purity’ and excellence (likened to gold and sandal), contrasted with baseness and impurity.