Shloka 5.22.31

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

Devanagari script

अनयेनाभिसम्पन्नमर्थहीनमनुव्रते।नाशयाम्यहमद्य त्वां सूर्यः सन्ध्यामिवौजसा।।।।

Transliteration

anayenābhisampannam arthahīnam anuvrate |

nāśayāmy aham adya tvāṃ sūryaḥ sandhyām ivaujasā ||

Translation

O faithful woman, you persist in a futile course, armed with a wrongful resolve; today I shall crush you, as the sun with its radiance dispels the twilight.

Context

"O Sita! you are following a vow of chastity and treading a meaningless, wrong path. I will destroy you as the Sun dispels the morning twilight with his lustre".

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Sītā
• Sūrya (Sun)
• Sandhyā (twilight)

FAQs

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

Dharma rejects coercion and threats, especially against the vulnerable. The verse shows adharma: power used to intimidate truth and fidelity.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa, angered by Sītā’s refusal, escalates to explicit threats of harm, attempting to break her resolve.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s fidelity (pativratā-dharma) is acknowledged even by her oppressor; her unwavering commitment to Rāma stands as the implied virtue.