Shloka 5.22.6

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

Devanagari script

परुषाणीह वाक्यानि यानि यानि ब्रवीषि माम्।तेषु तेषु वधो युक्तस्तव मैथिलि दारुणः।।।।

Transliteration

paruṣāṇīha vākyāni yāni yāni bravīṣi mām | teṣu teṣu vadho yuktas tava maithili dāruṇaḥ ||

Translation

Whatever harsh words you speak to me here, O Maithilī, for each such utterance he claims a dreadful killing would be deemed ‘fitting’ for you.

Context

"O Mythili! for each of the piercing statements made you deserve dreadful death."

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Sītā
• Mithilā (implied by 'Maithilī')

FAQs

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

It contrasts dharma-based restraint in speech with coercive power: Rāvaṇa treats truthful rebuke as a punishable offense. The Ramayana’s ethical frame supports satya spoken with courage, not violence used to silence truth.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa reacts to Sītā’s refusal and reproach, escalating threats by claiming that her harsh words warrant death.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s fearlessness in speaking satya (truthful condemnation of wrongdoing) is emphasized, even when confronted by lethal intimidation.