Shloka 3.49.20

सीताहरणम् — Ravana reveals his true form and abducts Sita

Devanagari script

ततस्तां परुषैर्वाक्यैर्भर्त्सयन्स महास्वनः।।3.49.20।।अङ्केनादाय वैदेहीं रथमारोपयत्तदा।

Transliteration

tatas tāṃ paruṣair vākyair bhartsayan sa mahāsvanaḥ | aṅkenādāya vaidehīṃ ratham āropayat tadā ||

Translation

Then, thundering loudly and scolding her with harsh words, he lifted Vaidehī onto his lap and set her upon the chariot.

Context

Reproaching the princess from Videha loudly and harshly, Ravana took her on his lap and put her on the chariot.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Sītā (Vaidehī)
• ratha (chariot)

FAQs

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

Dharma is violated through coercion in word and deed: harsh speech and forced movement demonstrate domination rather than righteous persuasion or restraint.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa escalates from threats to physical abduction, placing Sītā onto his chariot.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s moral integrity is implicit: despite being overpowered, she remains the wronged party, preserving her dharmic stance.