Shloka 5.22.12

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

Devanagari script

ताभिराश्वासिता सीता रावणं राक्षसाधिपम्।उवाचात्महितं वाक्यं वृत्तशौण्डीर्यगर्वितम्।।।।

Transliteration

tābhir āśvāsitā sītā rāvaṇaṃ rākṣasādhipam |uvāca ātmahitaṃ vākyaṃ vṛttaśauṇḍīryagarvitam ||

Translation

Comforted by them, Sītā spoke to Rāvaṇa, lord of the rākṣasas, words meant for her own safeguarding—words proud with the fearless dignity born of her upright conduct.

Context

Having thus been consoled, Sita, proud of the power of her virtues, said this to Ravana in self-defence:

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāvaṇa
• Rākṣasas

FAQs

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

Dharma here is steadfastness in truth and virtue: Sītā’s moral strength becomes her defense, enabling fearless speech against injustice.

What is the narrative situation?

After being consoled, Sītā begins her direct rebuke of Rāvaṇa in Aśoka-vana.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral courage (śaurya grounded in vṛtta): bravery rooted in purity of conduct rather than physical power.