Shloka 5.22.43

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

Devanagari script

एवमुक्तस्तु राक्षस्या समुत्क्षिप्तस्ततो बली।।।।प्रहसन्मेघसङ्काशो राक्षसः स न्यवर्तत।

Transliteration

evam uktas tu rākṣasyā samutkṣiptas tato balī |

prahasan meghasaṅkāśo rākṣasaḥ sa nyavartata ||

Translation

So addressed by the rākṣasī, that powerful rākṣasa—cloud-dark in appearance—turned away, laughing.

Context

Having heard her words, the demon king who resembled a fierce dark cloud turned away, laughing heartily.

Characters & Entities

• Dhānyamālinī (implied)
• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

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

Even when checked, an adharma-minded person may not reform inwardly; outward withdrawal without inner restraint is ethically incomplete.

What is the narrative situation?

After Dhānyamālinī’s words, Rāvaṇa stops pressing Sītā at that moment and turns away.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Implicitly, the need for self-control (dama): mere laughter and retreat are not the same as repentance.