Shloka 3.49.13

सीताहरणम् — Ravana reveals his true form and abducts Sita

Devanagari script

मां भजस्व चिराय त्वमहं श्लाघ्यः प्रियस्तव।।3.49.12।।नैव चाहं क्वचिद्भद्रे करिष्ये तव विप्रियम्।त्यज्यतां मानुषे भावो मयि भावः प्रणीयताम्।।3.49.13।।

Transliteration

rājyāc cyutam asiddhārthaṃ rāmaṃ parimitāyuṣam | kair guṇair anuraktāsi mūḍhe paṇḍitamānini || yaḥ striyā vacanād rājyaṃ vihāya sa-suhṛjjanam | asmin vyālānucarite vane vasati durmatiḥ ||

Translation

“Rāma has been cast out from kingship, has achieved no aim, and has but a limited span of life. By what virtues are you devoted to him, you foolish woman who fancies herself wise? For that misguided man abandoned his kingdom and his friends at a woman’s word, and now dwells in this forest haunted by beasts.”

Context

I am your praiseworthy husband. I will not cause any unpleasantness to you at any time. Abandon on your inclination towards, a (mere) mortal. Divert your love to me.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Sītā
• Rāma
• forest (vana)
• wild beasts (vyāla)

FAQs

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

Dharma condemns slander and misrepresentation. Rāvaṇa twists Rāma’s exile—undertaken to uphold truth and filial duty—into ‘failure,’ showing how adharma uses false narratives to justify wrongdoing.

What is the narrative situation?

Failing to win Sītā by praise, Rāvaṇa shifts to denigrating Rāma and mocking Sītā, attempting to break her resolve through contempt.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s virtue (implied) is satya and duty-bound renunciation; Sītā’s is discernment and unwavering loyalty despite verbal assault.