Shloka 5.22.36

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

Devanagari script

यथा मद्वशगा सीता क्षिप्रं भवति जानकी।।।।तथा कुरुत राक्षस्यः सर्वाः क्षिप्रं समेत्य च।

Transliteration

yathā madvaśagā sītā kṣipraṃ bhavati jānakī | tathā kuruta rākṣasyaḥ sarvāḥ kṣipraṃ sametya ca ||

Translation

O rākṣasī women, all of you gather together and act swiftly, so that Jānakī (Sītā) may quickly submit to my will.

Context

"O demonesses, all of you jointly dispose Janaki towards me. See that she submits to me at once.

Characters & Entities

• Sita
• Janaki
• Rakshasis
• Ravana

FAQs

What specific instruction does Ravana give to the Rakshasis in this verse?

Ravana commands the Rakshasis to collectively use their influence and tactics to make Sita submit to his will immediately.

How does this verse highlight the contrast between Dharma and Adharma?

This verse illustrates Adharma through Ravana's attempt to coerce a chaste, married woman (Sita) into submission against her will, violating the ethical boundaries of conduct toward women.