Shloka 5.22.22

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

Devanagari script

शूरेण धनदभ्रात्रा बलैः समुदितेन च।अपोह्य रामं कस्माद्धि दारचौर्यं त्वया कृतम्।।।।

Transliteration

śūreṇa dhanadabhrātrā balaiḥ samuditena ca | apohya rāmaṁ kasmād dhi dāracauryaṁ tvayā kṛtam ||

Translation

You are a warrior, Kubera’s brother, and supported by an army—why then did you, bypassing Rāma, commit the theft of another man’s wife?

Context

"You are a (great) warrior and a brother of Kubera. You possess an army. Then why did you abduct Rama's wife by-passing him?"

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāvaṇa
• Rāma
• Kubera (Dhanada)
• army (bala)

FAQs

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

True valor aligns with dharma: abducting another’s wife is condemned as dāra-caurya, a dishonorable act that violates social and moral order.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā shames Rāvaṇa by contrasting his proclaimed heroism and resources with the cowardly method of abducting her without facing Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral courage and commitment to marital fidelity as a dharmic norm—Sītā asserts the sanctity of marriage and rightful conduct.