Shloka 3.48.3

रावणस्यात्मप्रशंसा लङ्कावर्णनं च — Ravana’s Self-Praise and the Description of Lanka

Devanagari script

यस्य देवास्सगन्धर्वाः पिशाचपतगोरगाः।विद्रवन्ति भयाद्भीता मृत्योरिव सदा प्रजाः।।।।

Transliteration

evam uktā tu vaidēhī kruddhā saṃrakta-locanā |

abravīt paruṣaṃ vākyaṃ rahite rākṣasādhipam ||

Translation

Thus addressed, Vaidehī, enraged with eyes reddened, spoke harsh words to the lord of the rākṣasas while they were in that secluded place.

Context

Just as people get scared of death, all (creatures) including gandharvas, gods, evil spirits, birds and snakes run away from me.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā (Vaidehī)
• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

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

Speaking truth to wrongdoing—even in isolation and danger—upholds Dharma; moral courage is part of righteous conduct.

What is the narrative situation?

After hearing Rāvaṇa’s threats and boasts, Sītā begins her direct rebuke of him.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral courage and satya-vākya (truthful speech) in the face of coercion.