Shloka 3.56.16

सीताया रावणनिन्दा — अशोकवनिकाप्रवेशः (Sita’s Rebuke of Ravana; Removal to the Ashoka Grove)

Devanagari script

यदा विनाशो भूतानां दृश्यते कालचोदितः।तदा कार्ये प्रमाद्यन्ति नराः कालवशं गताः।।।।

Transliteration

yadā vināśo bhūtānāṃ dṛśyate kālacoditaḥ | tadā kārye pramādyanti narāḥ kālavaśaṃ gatāḥ ||

Translation

When the destruction of beings, urged on by Time, comes into view, then people—fallen under Time’s dominion—begin to blunder in their deeds.

Context

When destruction draws near, people being prompted by time start commiting blunders in their deeds.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāvaṇa
• Kāla (Time/Death)

FAQs

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

Moral failure often precedes downfall: when ruin approaches, discernment collapses. Dharma requires vigilance and right judgment.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā interprets Rāvaṇa’s rash act as a sign that his end is near.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s insight and discernment (viveka) in reading ethical causality in events.