Shloka 5.22.37

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

Devanagari script

प्रतिलोमानुलोमैश्च सामदानादिभेदनैः।।।।आवर्जयत वैदेहीं दण्डस्योद्यमनेन च।

Transliteration

pratilomānulomaiśca sāmadānādibhedanaiḥ। āvarjayata vaidehīṃ daṇḍasyodyamanena ca॥

Translation

Bring Vaidehī under control by means both agreeable and disagreeable—through conciliation, through gifts, by sowing dissension, and by the threat of punishment.

Context

"By adopting means favourable or contrary to her will or through persuasion or coercion or through reward or punishment, draw Vaidehi's mind towards me." (said Ravana).

Characters & Entities

• Vaidehi
• Ravana

FAQs

What strategy does Ravana command the Rakshasis to use against Sita?

Ravana commands them to use the four strategic expedients (Upayas)—Sama (conciliation), Dana (gifts), Bheda (division), and Danda (force)—employing both pleasant and unpleasant approaches to break her will.

What does 'Vaidehi' refer to in this verse?

'Vaidehi' is a patronymic for Sita, meaning 'Princess of Videha,' highlighting her noble lineage even while she is being threatened.