Shloka 5.21.16

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

Devanagari script

उपधाय भुजं तस्य लोकनाथस्य सत्कृतम्।।।।कथं नामोपधास्यामि भुजमन्यस्य कस्य चित्।

Transliteration

upadhāya bhujaṃ tasya lokanāthasya satkṛtam | kathaṃ nāmopadhāsyāmi bhujam anyasya kasya cit ||

Translation

Having rested upon the honored arm of that Lord of the world, how could I ever lay my head upon the arm of anyone else?

Context

"How can I pillow on somebody's arm after resting on the honourable arm of the great lord of the worlds ?

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāvaṇa
• Lokanātha (Rāma)

FAQs

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

Exclusive commitment and rightful relationship are central to dharma; one should not abandon the legitimate bond for an unrighteous alternative.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā rebuffs Rāvaṇa’s proposal by invoking her prior, honored union with Rāma as morally and emotionally non-transferable.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Constancy in love and duty—Sītā’s unwavering adherence to her rightful spouse and moral order.