Shloka 5.21.1

सीताया रावणं प्रति धर्मोपदेशः (Sita’s Dharmic Admonition to Ravana)

Devanagari script

तस्य तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा सीता रौद्रस्य रक्षसः।आर्ता दीनस्वरा दीनं प्रत्युवाच शनैर्वचः।।।।

Transliteration

tasya tadvacanaṃ śrutvā sītā raudrasya rakṣasaḥ |

ārtā dīnasvarā dīnaṃ pratyuvāca śanair vacaḥ ||5.21.1||

Translation

Having heard those words of the furious rākṣasa, Sītā—distressed, her voice faint with sorrow—replied slowly, in a pitiable tone.

Context

On hearing the demon's haughty words, oppressed, pitiable Sita replied slowly in a sorrowful tone.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• rākṣasa (Rāvaṇa implied)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes steadfastness under oppression: Sītā’s composed reply, even while suffering, models restraint and moral courage.

What is the narrative situation?

After Rāvaṇa’s threats and temptations, the narration turns to Sītā’s response.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s endurance (kṣānti) and dignity in suffering are foregrounded.