Shloka 5.22.41

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

Devanagari script

नूनमस्या महाराज न दिव्यान् भोगसत्तमान्।।।।विदधात्यमरश्रेष्ठस्तव बाहुबलार्जितान्।

Transliteration

nūnam asyā mahārāja na divyān bhogasattamān |

vidadhāty amaraśreṣṭhas tava bāhubalārjitān ||

Translation

Surely, O great king, the foremost among the immortals has not destined her for those finest divine pleasures—won by the strength of your own arms.

Context

"O king! surely she is not ordained by Brahma, the foremost among the immortals to enjoy the luxuries earned by the strength of your arms.

Characters & Entities

• Dhānyamālinī
• Rāvaṇa
• amaraśreṣṭha (divine ordainer, implied Brahmā)

FAQs

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

It appeals to cosmic order: dharma is aligned with what is fitting and ordained; forcing what is not ‘appointed’ leads to disorder and eventual downfall.

What is the narrative situation?

Dhānyamālinī argues that Sītā is not meant for Rāvaṇa’s pleasures, urging him to abandon the pursuit.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Counsel grounded in a sense of order (daiva/dharma-buddhi), attempting to check reckless desire.