Shloka 3.49.26

सीताहरणम् — Ravana reveals his true form and abducts Sita

Devanagari script

ननु नामाविनीतानां विनेतासि परन्तप।।3.49.26।।कथमेवंविधं पापं न त्वं शासि हि रावणम्।

Transliteration

nanu nāmāvinītānāṁ vinētāsi parantapa || 3.49.26 || katham evaṁvidhaṁ pāpaṁ na tvaṁ śāsi hi rāvaṇam |

Translation

“O scorcher of foes! You are known as the chastiser of the insolent—how is it, then, that you do not punish a sinner of this kind, Rāvaṇa?”

Context

O scorcher of enemies! you are the chastiser of the haughty. Why do you not punish such a sinner like Ravana.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Jatāyu
• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

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

Dharma demands that arrogance and wrongdoing be restrained; a protector/discipliner must oppose adharma, especially when an innocent is harmed.

What is the narrative situation?

During Sītā’s abduction, she appeals to Jatāyu—renowned for valor—to act against Rāvaṇa and stop the crime.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral courage and protective duty: the expectation that the strong (or righteous) intervene to punish blatant wrongdoing.