Shloka 5.22.32

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

Devanagari script

इत्युक्त्वा मैथिलीं राजा रावणः शत्रुरावणः।सन्दिदेश ततः सर्वा राक्षसीर्घोरदर्शनाः।।।।

Transliteration

ity uktvā maithilīṃ rājā rāvaṇaḥ śatrurāvaṇaḥ |

sandidēśa tataḥ sarvā rākṣasīr ghora-darśanāḥ ||

Translation

Having spoken thus to Maithilī, King Rāvaṇa—terrifying to his foes—then commanded all the demonesses of dreadful appearance.

Context

King Ravana, a tormentor of enemies, having thus threatened Mythili commanded the she-demons women of fiecrceful appearance as follows:

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Sītā (Maithilī)
• Rākṣasīs (demonesses)

FAQs

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

Authority without dharma becomes oppression. The verse frames how adharma institutionalizes itself through commands and enforcers.

What is the narrative situation?

After threatening Sītā, Rāvaṇa turns to his attendants—the rākṣasīs—ordering them to pressure her into submission.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Implied is steadfastness under coercion: Sītā’s moral strength stands against organized intimidation.