Shloka 3.48.20
रावणस्यात्मप्रशंसा लङ्कावर्णनं च — Ravana’s Self-Praise and the Description of Lanka
एवमुक्ता तु वैदेही क्रुद्धा संरक्तलोचना।अब्रवीत्परुषं वाक्यं रहिते राक्षसाधिपम्।।।।
yasya devāḥ sa-gandharvāḥ piśāca-pataga-uragāḥ |
vidravanti bhayād bhītā mṛtyor iva sadā prajāḥ ||
Like people who flee from Death itself, beings of every kind—gods with the Gandharvas, spirits, birds, and serpents—run away in fear of him.
Thus addressed, Sita was enraged and her eyes turned red. She replied in harsh words to the chief of the demons in that solitary place:.
The verse illustrates how rule by fear and pride in terror is a mark of adharma; Dharma seeks protection of beings, not their intimidation.
Rāvaṇa is boasting before Sītā, attempting to overwhelm her with his reputation and power.
By contrast (implicitly), Sītā’s steadfastness is highlighted—she is not swayed by threats rooted in fear.