Shloka 5.18.9

अष्टादशः सर्गः (Sarga 18): रावणस्य प्रमदावनप्रवेशः — Ravana’s entry into the women’s grove

Devanagari script

ईहामृगैश्च विविधैर्जुष्टां दृष्टिमनोहरैः।वीधीः संप्रेक्षमाणश्च मणिकाञ्चनतोरणाः।।5.18.8।।नानामृगगणाकीर्णां फलैः प्रपतितैर्वृताम्।अशोकवनिकामेव प्राविशत्संततद्रुमाम्।।5.18.9।।

Transliteration

tasminn eva tataḥ kāle rājaputrī tv aninditā |

rūpayauvanasampannaṃ bhūṣaṇottamabhūṣitam ||

tato dṛṣṭvaiva vaidehī rāvaṇaṃ rākṣasādhipam |

prāvepata varārohā pravāte kadalī yathā ||

Translation

At that very time, the blameless princess Vaidehī, seeing Rāvaṇa—the lord of the rākṣasas—endowed with youthful beauty and adorned with the finest ornaments, trembled like a banana plant shaken by a strong wind.

Context

Watching the garden filled with trees, gateways ornamented with gold and gems, he entered through the pleasant pathways in the Ashoka garden. There were wonderful wolves and several herds of animals in the garden. Fruits dropped from trees were strewn all over.

Characters & Entities

• Vaidehī (Sītā)
• Rāvaṇa
• Aśokavanikā (implied setting)

FAQs

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

Dharma is upheld through steadfastness even when fear arises; Sītā’s blamelessness and fidelity remain intact despite intimidation.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā sees Rāvaṇa approaching in the grove and physically trembles from fear and shock.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral steadfastness (śīla) under coercion: fear does not translate into consent or surrender of principles.