Shloka 5.22.16

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

Devanagari script

यथा दृप्तश्च मातङ्गः शशश्च सद्दृशो युधि।तथा मातङ्गवद्रामस्त्वं नीच: शशवत् स्मृतः।।।।

Transliteration

yathā dṛptaś ca mātaṅgaḥ śaśaś ca saddṛśo yudhi |tathā mātaṅgavad rāmas tvaṃ nīcaḥ śaśavat smṛtaḥ ||

Translation

As in battle a proud elephant and a mere hare are no true match, so is Rāma like the elephant—while you, base one, are remembered as the hare.

Context

"It is like a proud elephant fighting in war with a rabbit. Rama is like an elephant and you are like an ordinary rabbit people speak of.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāma
• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

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

Dharma condemns arrogance rooted in wrongdoing; Sītā states a truth meant to puncture Rāvaṇa’s pride and reveal the imbalance between dharmic power and adharmic posturing.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā continues her rebuke, asserting that Rāvaṇa is no match for Rāma, using a battle-simile (elephant vs. hare).

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral confidence: Sītā’s certainty in Rāma’s dharmic strength and her refusal to be psychologically dominated.