Shloka 5.22.45

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

Devanagari script

देवगन्धर्वकन्याश्च नागकन्याश्च सर्वतः।।।।परिवार्य दशग्रीवं विविशुस्तं गृहोत्तमम्।

Transliteration

devagandharvakanyāś ca nāgakanyāś ca sarvataḥ |

parivārya daśagrīvaṃ viviśus taṃ gṛhottamam ||

Translation

Daughters of the devas and gandharvas, and daughters of the nāgas as well, gathered from every side around Daśagrīva and entered that splendid palace with him.

Context

Then the daughters of gods, gandharvas and nagas gathered round and followed him into his excellent palace.

Characters & Entities

• Daśagrīva (Rāvaṇa)
• devakanyāḥ
• gandharvakanyāḥ
• nāgakanyāḥ
• gṛhottama (palace)

FAQs

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

Status and entourages do not legitimize wrongdoing; dharma is not conferred by prestige but by righteous action.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa is accompanied by many maidens of various orders as he goes into his palace.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Implicitly, the virtue of simplicity and fidelity (seen in Rāma–Sītā) stands opposed to indulgent excess.