Shloka 5.22.9

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

Devanagari script

ऊर्ध्वं द्वाभ्यां तु मासाभ्यां भर्तारं मामनिच्छतीम्।मम त्वां प्रातराशार्थमालभन्ते महानसे।।।।

Transliteration

ūrdhvaṃ dvābhyāṃ tu māsābhyāṃ bhartāraṃ mām anicchatīm | mama tvāṃ prātarāśārtham ālabhante mahānase ||

Translation

If, after those two months, you still refuse me as your husband, they will seize you for my morning meal and slaughter you in the kitchen.

Context

"If you are still reluctant to accept me as your husband after two months you will be sent to kitchen to be cooked as morning breakfast for me".

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Sītā

FAQs

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

The verse demonstrates the extremity of adharma: when lust and ego rule, a person weaponizes violence and fear. The Ramayana’s ethical teaching is that dharma protects the vulnerable; it does not terrorize them into submission.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa intensifies his ultimatum by threatening Sītā with death and consumption if she does not yield.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s unwavering commitment to truth and righteousness under threat—moral courage (dhairya) in the face of terror.