Shloka 5.23.11

राक्षसी-भर्त्सना (The Demonesses’ Coercive Counsel to Sītā)

Devanagari script

ततस्तु प्रघसा नाम राक्षसी क्रोधमूर्छिता।।।।भर्त्सयन्ती तदा घोरमिदं वचनमब्रवीत्।

Transliteration

tatas tu praghasā nāma rākṣasī krodhamūrchitā | bhartsayantī tadā ghoram idaṃ vacanam abravīt ||

Translation

Then an ogress named Praghasā, overcome by anger, harshly taunting her, spoke these dreadful words.

Context

Then an ogress named Praghasa, overwhelmed with anger, deriding Sita said these terrible words:

Characters & Entities

• Praghasā
• Sītā
• Rākṣasīs

FAQs

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

Anger-driven speech is shown as ethically corrosive. Dharma values truthful speech that is also restrained and beneficial; here, fury produces cruelty and intimidation.

What is the narrative situation?

The narration transitions from Rāvaṇa’s departure to the rākṣasīs’ intimidation, introducing Praghasā as a principal aggressor.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s patience and inner steadiness are emphasized by the contrast with Praghasā’s uncontrolled rage.