Shloka 5.22.23

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

Devanagari script

सीताया वचनं श्रुत्वा रावणो राक्षसाधिपः।विवृत्य नयने क्रूरे जानकीमन्ववैक्षत।।।।

Transliteration

sītāyā vacanaṁ śrutvā rāvaṇo rākṣasādhipaḥ | vivṛtya nayane krūre jānakīm anvavaikṣata ||

Translation

Hearing Sītā’s words, Rāvaṇa, lord of the rākṣasas, opened wide his cruel eyes and stared at Jānakī.

Context

On hearing Janaki, the lord of demons, Ravana looked at her with his cruel eyes opened wide and rolling.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā (Jānakī)
• Rāvaṇa
• rākṣasas

FAQs

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

It signals the inner state behind adharma: cruelty and domination manifest even in one’s gaze, contrasting with dharmic self-restraint.

What is the narrative situation?

After Sītā’s rebuke, Rāvaṇa reacts with visible anger and menace, intensifying the confrontation in the Aśoka grove setting.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By contrast, Sītā’s composure stands out—she speaks truth and endures intimidation without yielding.