Shloka 5.22.42

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

Devanagari script

अकामां कामयानस्य शरीरमुपतप्यते।।5.22.42।।इच्छन्तीं कामयानस्य प्रीतिर्भवति शोभना।

Transliteration

akāmāṃ kāmayānasya śarīram upatapyate |

icchantīṃ kāmayānasya prītir bhavati śobhanā ||

Translation

When a desirous man pursues a woman without desire, his very body is only tormented; but when he pursues a willing woman, the pleasure that arises is truly fitting.

Characters & Entities

• Dhānyamālinī
• Rāvaṇa
• Sītā (implied as akāmā)

FAQs

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

It states a dharmic norm for desire: coercion against the unwilling yields only suffering and is unfitting; mutual willingness is the proper basis for pleasure.

What is the narrative situation?

Dhānyamālinī argues against Rāvaṇa’s forced pursuit of Sītā by contrasting unwillingness with willing consent.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Restraint and discernment in kāma—recognizing that ethical conduct requires respecting another’s will.