Shloka 5.22.24

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

Devanagari script

नीलजीमूतसङ्काशो महाभुजशिरोधरः।सिंहसत्त्वगतिः श्रीमान् दीप्त जिह्वाग्रलोचनः।।।।

Transliteration

nīlajīmūtasaṅkāśo mahābhujaśirodharaḥ | siṁhasattvagatiḥ śrīmān dīptajihvāgralocanaḥ ||

Translation

Rāvaṇa appeared like a mass of dark clouds—broad-armed and thick-necked—moving with the forceful gait of a lion, splendid, with blazing eyes and tongue.

Context

Prosperous Ravana looked like a mass of dark cloud, with strong arms, stout neck, gait of a lion, a blazing tongue and burning eyes;

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

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

External splendor and power are ethically neutral; without dharma they become instruments of fear and oppression.

What is the narrative situation?

The narration shifts to a vivid physical description of Rāvaṇa as he reacts to Sītā, heightening the sense of threat.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Implicitly, discernment: the text contrasts imposing appearance with moral deficiency, teaching that dharma—not might—defines greatness.