Shloka 5.22.11

रावणस्य तर्जनं सीताया धर्मोक्तिः (Ravana’s Threats and Sita’s Dharma-Centered Reply)

Devanagari script

ओष्ठप्रकारैरपरा वक्त्रनेत्रैस्तथापराः।सीतामाश्वासयामासुस्तर्जितां तेन रक्षसा।।।।

Transliteration

oṣṭhaprakārair aparā vaktranetrair tathāparāḥ |sītām āśvāsayāmāsuḥ tarjitāṃ tena rakṣasā ||

Translation

Some sought to console Sītā by motions of their lips, and others likewise by gestures of face and eyes, when she had been threatened by that rākṣasa.

Context

When Sita was threatened by the demon king, the daughters of gods and gandharvas there consoled her through gestures of their lips and eyes.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāvaṇa
• Devakanyās
• Gandharvakanyās

FAQs

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

Dharma includes offering support to the vulnerable: even without words, gentle reassurance becomes an ethical act against cruelty.

What is the narrative situation?

After Rāvaṇa’s threatening words, the celestial maidens present try to comfort Sītā through nonverbal gestures.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Compassionate encouragement—standing with Sītā and strengthening her resolve amid intimidation.