Shloka 5.22.3
रावणस्य तर्जनं सीताया धर्मोक्तिः (Ravana’s Threats and Sita’s Dharma-Centered Reply)
सन्नियच्छति मे क्रोधं त्वयि कामः समुत्थितः।द्रवतोऽमार्गमासाद्य हयानिव सुसारथिः।।।।
sa kalpavṛkṣa-pratimo vasanta iva mūrtimān |
śmaśāna-caitya-pratimo bhūṣito 'pi bhayaṅkaraḥ ||
He seemed like the heavenly wish-fulfilling tree, like spring itself made bodily—yet also like a funerary shrine in a cremation-ground; even adorned, he appeared terrifying.
"My love for you has restrained my anger, just as a good charioteer controls the horses galloping on a wrong path.
Outer beauty and splendour do not guarantee inner righteousness. Dharma evaluates character and conduct; adharma can be ‘adorned’ yet still remain fearsome and destructive.
The narration portrays Rāvaṇa’s imposing presence in Aśoka-vana, emphasizing a contradiction: majestic attractiveness paired with the dread of moral corruption.
Discernment (viveka): the ability to judge beyond appearances—crucial in the Ramayana’s moral world.