Shloka 5.22.30

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

Devanagari script

अवेक्षमाणो वैदेहीं कोपसंरक्तलोचनः।उवाच रावणः सीतां भुजङ्ग इव निःश्वसन्।।।।

Transliteration

avekṣamāṇo vaidehīṃ kopasaṃrakta-locanaḥ |

uvāca rāvaṇaḥ sītāṃ bhujaṅga iva niḥśvasan ||

Translation

Staring at Vaidehī with eyes reddened by rage, Rāvaṇa spoke to Sītā, breathing hard like a serpent.

Context

Looking at Vaidehi, eyes red with anger, and breathing heavily like a histing snake, Ravana replied:

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Sītā
• Vaidehī

FAQs

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

Uncontrolled anger dehumanizes and becomes serpent-like—dangerous and poisonous. Dharma requires mastery over krodha, especially in speech and power relations.

What is the narrative situation?

Immediately before issuing threats and commands, Rāvaṇa is depicted in a rage-filled posture while addressing Sītā in captivity.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By contrast, Sītā’s steadfastness is implied; the verse foregrounds Rāvaṇa’s lack of restraint, highlighting the virtue of composure under pressure.