Shloka 4.58.22
सम्पातिवाक्यम् (Sampāti’s Counsel and the Revelation of Laṅkā)
तस्यां वसति वैदेही दीना कौशेयवासिनी।।4.58.22।।रावणान्तःपुरे रुद्धा राक्षसीभिस्सुरक्षिता।जनकस्यात्मजां राज्ञस्तत्र द्रक्ष्यथ मैथिलीम्।।4.58.23।।
jāmbūnadamayair dvāraiś citraiḥ kāñcana-vedikaiḥ |
prāsādair hema-varṇaiś ca mahadbhiḥ susamā kṛtā || 4.58.21 ||
prākāreṇārka-varṇena mahatā ca samānvitā |
It is fashioned with wondrous gates of pure gold, with golden terraces, and with great mansions of golden hue, built in harmonious symmetry—further endowed with a lofty rampart shining like sunlight.
'You will see in the city of Lanka, the princess from Videha, daughter of Janaka, a picture of dejection, robed in silk, confined in the harem of Ravana, well-protected bydemonesses.
The verse implicitly contrasts outer splendor with inner righteousness: a city may glitter with gold, yet dharma is measured by conduct, not wealth or fortification.
Sampāti describes the grandeur and defenses of Laṅkā to help the searchers identify the destination where Sītā is held.
Discernment and clarity: Sampāti provides precise, actionable description rather than emotional speculation, aiding the dharmic mission of rescue.