Shloka 5.22.40

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

Devanagari script

मया क्रीड महाराज सीतया किं तवानया।।।।विवर्णया कृपणया मानुष्या राक्षसेश्वर।

Transliteration

mayā krīḍa mahārāja sītayā kiṃ tavānayā |

vivarṇayā kṛpaṇayā mānuṣyā rākṣaseśvara ||

Translation

Sport with me, O great king; what use is this Sītā to you—pale, wretched, and merely human, O lord of the rākṣasas?

Context

"O king of demons, sport with me, my lord. What purpose will be served with this pale wretched Sita, a human being after all?

Characters & Entities

• Dhānyamālinī
• Sītā
• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

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

Though spoken from a self-interested angle, it indirectly condemns coercion: desire should not target one who is distressed and unwilling; dharma requires respect for consent and protection of the vulnerable.

What is the narrative situation?

Dhānyamālinī tries to divert Rāvaṇa away from Sītā by offering herself and belittling Sītā’s suitability.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Pragmatic influence (upāya) is emphasized—using persuasion to shift a powerful person’s attention, even if the motive is not purely ethical.