Shloka 3.64.9
गोदावरीतटे सीतान्वेषणम् — The Search for Sītā at the Godāvarī
रावणस्य तु तद्रूपं कर्माणि च दुरात्मनः।ध्यात्वा भयात्तु वैदेहीं सा नदी न शशंस ताम्।।।।
rāvaṇasya tu tad-rūpaṃ karmāṇi ca durātmanaḥ |
dhyātvā bhayāt tu vaidehīṃ sā nadī na śaśaṃsa tām ||
But recalling the form and deeds of evil-minded Rāvaṇa, that river, out of fear, disclosed nothing about Vaidehī.
Remembering the evil-minded Ravana's appearance and action, the river revealed nothing about Vaidehi out of fear.
Adharma creates an atmosphere where satya is suppressed; the verse teaches that tyranny and fear distort moral communication and obstruct righteous resolution.
The river remains silent when questioned about Sītā because it fears Rāvaṇa, remembering his appearance and cruel actions.
The verse primarily underscores Rāvaṇa’s vice—cruelty inspiring fear—thereby implying the dharmic ideal of protection, where the strong enable truth rather than silence it.