Shloka 3.53.13

सीताविलापः रावणनिन्दा च (Sita’s Lament and Condemnation of Ravana)

Devanagari script

साधु कुर्वाऽऽत्मनः पथ्यं साधु मां मुञ्च रावण।मत्प्रधर्षणरुष्टो हि भ्रात्रा सह पतिर्मम।।3.53.13।।विधास्यति विनाशाय त्वं मां यदि न मुञ्चसि।

Transliteration

sādhu kurvātmanaḥ pathyaṃ sādhu māṃ muñca rāvaṇa |

mat-pradharṣaṇa-ruṣṭo hi bhrātrā saha patir mama || 3.53.13 ||

vidhāsyati vināśāya tvaṃ māṃ yadi na muñcasi |

Translation

Do what is truly wholesome for yourself, Rāvaṇa—act rightly and release me. For my husband, enraged by this assault upon me, together with his brother, will bring about your destruction if you do not let me go.

Context

O Ravana! be good and do whatever is beneficial to you. It is proper for you to release me. If you do not, enraged over my assault, my husband along with his brother, will bring about your destruction.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāvaṇa
• Rāma (mama patiḥ)
• Lakṣmaṇa (bhrātā)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes counsel toward the good even for an offender: Sītā urges Rāvaṇa to choose what is ‘pathya’ (wholesome) and stop wrongdoing.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā addresses Rāvaṇa directly, urging her release and warning of Rāma-Lakṣmaṇa’s response.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Compassionate righteousness: despite being harmed, Sītā advises the aggressor toward a better course, reflecting moral clarity without surrender.