Shloka 5.22.38

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

Devanagari script

इति प्रतिसमादिश्य राक्षसेन्द्रः पुनः पुनः।।।।काममन्युपरीतात्मा जानकीं पर्यतर्जयत्।

Transliteration

iti pratisamādiśya rākṣasendraḥ punaḥ punaḥ |

kāmamanyuparītātmā jānākīṃ paryatarjayat ||

Translation

Thus, having issued his commands again and again, the lord of the rākṣasas—his mind engulfed by lust and anger—threatened Jānakī.

Context

The demon king repeatedly commanded the ogresses burning in anger and passion and threatened Sita again and again, pointing his finger at her.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Jānakī (Sītā)

FAQs

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

The verse highlights adharma: when lust (kāma) and anger (krodha/manyu) overtake the mind, one resorts to intimidation and coercion, violating righteous conduct toward others—especially toward a vulnerable person.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa, after repeatedly issuing instructions to the rākṣasīs, turns his aggression directly toward Sītā and threatens her again and again.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By contrast (implicit), Sītā’s steadfastness in dharma is foregrounded in the surrounding narrative: she endures threats without yielding, while Rāvaṇa displays the vice of uncontrolled passions.