Shloka 3.53.20

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

Devanagari script

तप्तकाञ्चनपुष्पां च वैडूर्यप्रवरच्छदाम्।।3.53.20।।द्रक्ष्यसे शाल्मलीं तीक्ष्णामायसैः कण्टकैश्चिताम्।

Transliteration

tapta-kāñcana-puṣpāṃ ca vaiḍūrya-pravara-cchadām ||3.53.20||

drakṣyase śālmalīṃ tīkṣṇām āyasaiḥ kaṇṭakaiś citām |

Translation

You will behold the sharp śālmalī tree—bearing blazing golden blossoms and a covering like excellent vaidūrya—yet studded with iron thorns.

Context

You will see a log of salmali tree with bright golden flowers and excellent vaidurya stone with pointed iron thorns.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāvaṇa
• śālmalī
• vaidūrya

FAQs

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

Adharma often appears attractive but is inwardly painful: the ‘golden’ yet thorny tree symbolizes deceptive allure leading to suffering.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā continues describing ominous visions associated with death and punishment, warning Rāvaṇa of the bitter end of his act.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral instruction through imagery: Sītā uses vivid symbols to teach consequences and to deter wrongdoing.