Shloka 3.56.31

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

Devanagari script

तत्रैनां तर्जनैर्घोरैः पुनस्सान्त्वैश्च मैथिलीम्।आनयध्वं वशं सर्वा वन्यां गजवधूमिव।।।।

Transliteration

tatraināṃ tarjanair ghoraiḥ punaḥ sāntvaiś ca maithilīm |

ānayadhvaṃ vaśaṃ sarvā vanyāṃ gajavadhūm iva ||

Translation

There, all of you bring Maithilī under control—by terrifying threats and again by gentle coaxing—just as one tames a wild she-elephant.

Context

There you all bring her under control through forcing and cajoling as one would do to tame a wild she-elephant.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Maithilī (Sītā)
• Rākṣasīs
• gaja-vadhū (she-elephant)

FAQs

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

The verse highlights adharma: coercion and manipulation used to subdue an innocent person. Dharma rejects domination through fear or deceit and upholds respect for another’s autonomy and consent.

What is the narrative situation?

After abducting Sītā, Rāvaṇa instructs the demonesses to restrain her and force her into submission using alternating threats and soothing persuasion.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Negatively, it emphasizes the absence of virtue in Rāvaṇa—his reliance on intimidation and manipulation rather than righteous conduct.