Shloka 5.15.24
अशोकवनिकायां सीतादर्शनम् (Sita Seen in the Ashoka Grove)
प्रियं जनमपश्यन्तीं पश्यन्तीं राक्षसीगणम्।स्वगणेन मृगीं हीनां श्वगणाभिवृतामिव।।।।
priyaṃ janam apaśyantīṃ paśyantīṃ rākṣasīgaṇam |
svagaṇena mṛgīṃ hīnāṃ śvagaṇābhivṛtām iva ||
Unable to see her beloved kin and seeing only the host of rākṣasī women, she seemed like a doe separated from her herd and surrounded by a pack of hounds.
Unable to see her dear kith and kin, she sat guarded by ogresses. She appeared like a doe separated from the herd and encircled by a pack of hounds.
The verse implicitly condemns adharma as coercion and intimidation: isolating the innocent and surrounding her with threats violates righteous conduct and the duty to protect the vulnerable.
Sītā is depicted as isolated from her loved ones and guarded by rākṣasīs in Aśoka-vana, intensifying the sense of danger and captivity.
Sītā’s vulnerability highlights her moral innocence; Hanumān’s attentive witnessing prepares the ground for righteous rescue.