Shloka 5.22.19

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

Devanagari script

तस्य धर्मात्मनः पत्नीं स्नुषां दशरथस्य च।कथं व्याहरतो मां ते न जिह्वा व्यवशीर्यते।।।।

Transliteration

tasya dharmātmanaḥ patnīṃ snuṣāṃ daśarathasya ca |kathaṃ vyāharato māṃ te na jihvā vyavaśīryate ||

Translation

How is it that your tongue does not split and fall away as you speak to me—wife of that righteous man, and daughter-in-law of Daśaratha?

Context

"Why does not your tongue drop down while you speak such words against this consort of the righteous king (Rama) and daughter-in law of Dasaratha?

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāma
• Daśaratha
• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

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

Dharma includes purity of speech: insulting or coercing a virtuous, married woman—especially one tied to a righteous royal lineage—is portrayed as speech-sin deserving immediate moral consequence.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā intensifies her rebuke, invoking her dharmic status as Rāma’s wife and Daśaratha’s daughter-in-law to condemn Rāvaṇa’s words.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Satya with dignity—Sītā speaks uncompromising truth and asserts rightful honor grounded in dharma and lineage.