Shloka 4.58.18

सम्पातिवाक्यम् (Sampāti’s Counsel and the Revelation of Laṅkā)

Devanagari script

तां तु सीतामहं मन्ये रामस्य परिकीर्तनात्।श्रूयतां मे कथयतो निलयं तस्य रक्षसः।।4.58.18।।

Transliteration

sūryaprabheva śailāgre tasyāḥ kauśeyam uttamam |

asite rākṣase bhāti yathā vā taṭid ambude || 4.58.17 ||

Translation

Her finest silk garment shone—like sunlight on a mountain peak—bright against the dark rākṣasa, like lightning in a cloud.

Context

'Since she was uttering Rama's name I think she is Sita. (Now) I will tell you about the demon's abode. Listen!

Characters & Entities

• Sītā (implied)
• Rāvaṇa (implied as the dark rākṣasa)

FAQs

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

Symbolic dharma: purity and righteousness are portrayed as luminous, standing in stark contrast to adharma (darkness) even when oppressed.

What is the narrative situation?

Sampāti describes the visual scene of the abducted woman’s bright garment against the dark abductor.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral radiance: Sītā’s inherent purity is suggested through imagery of light.