Shloka 3.53.5

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

Devanagari script

यो हि मामुद्यतस्त्रातुं सोऽप्ययं विनिपातितः।गृध्रराजः पुराणोऽसौ श्वशुरस्य सखा मम।।3.53.5।।

Transliteration

īdṛśaṃ garhitaṃ karma kathaṃ kṛtvā na lajase |

striyāś ca haraṇaṃ nīca rahite ca parasya ca ||3.53.7||

Translation

How do you feel no shame after doing such a condemned deed—abducting another man’s wife when she is alone, O base one?

Context

This Jatayu, an old friend of my father-in-law tried to protect me but he too has fallen a prey.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā (Vaidehī)
• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

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

Dharma forbids violating marital sanctity and exploiting solitude. The verse frames such abduction as socially and morally reprehensible (garhita).

What is the narrative situation?

As she is being carried away, Sītā openly condemns Rāvaṇa for abducting her while she is without immediate protection.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s steadfastness to marital fidelity and moral law, and her willingness to call out adharma directly.