Shloka 3.47.48

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

Devanagari script

तस्मिन्सहस्राक्षसमप्रभावे रामे स्थिते कार्मुकबाणपाणौ।हृतापि तेहं न जरां गमिष्ये वज्रं यथा मक्षिकयावगीर्णम्।।3.47.48।।

Transliteration

tasmin sahasrākṣa-samaprabhāve rāme sthite kārmuka-bāṇa-pāṇau | hṛtāpi te ’haṃ na jarāṃ gamiṣye vajraṃ yathā makṣikayāvagīrṇam || 3.47.48 ||

Translation

So long as Rāma—whose might equals that of the thousand-eyed Indra—stands firm with bow and arrows in hand, even if I am carried off, I will not waste away for your sake, like a diamond swallowed by a fly.

Context

So long Rama, equal in prowess to the thousand-eyed Indra stands with bow and arrows in hand, I will not, although abducted, wither away like a diamond gulped by an insect (fly).

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāma
• Indra (Sahasrākṣa)
• bow (kārmuka)
• arrows (bāṇa)
• vajra (diamond/adamant)

FAQs

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

Sītā upholds pativratā-dharma and satya: unwavering fidelity and truthfulness, refusing to be morally broken even under coercion.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa is attempting to intimidate and entice Sītā after abducting her; she responds with firm confidence in Rāma’s power and her own integrity.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadfast courage and chastity (niṣṭhā/śīla): Sītā declares she will not ‘wither’ or yield to Rāvaṇa despite danger.