Shloka 5.23.15

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

Devanagari script

अन्या तु विकटा नाम राक्षसी वाक्यमब्रवीत्।।।।असकृद्देवता युद्धे नागगन्धर्वदानवाः।निर्जिताः समरे येन स ते पार्श्वमुपागतः।।।।

Transliteration

tataḥ sītām upāgamya rākṣasyaḥ krodhamūrchitāḥ | paraṃ paruṣayā vācā vaidehīm idam abruvan ||

Translation

Then the demonesses, their minds overwhelmed by anger, went up to Sītā and spoke to Vaidehī in exceedingly harsh words.

Context

Another ogress called Vikata said, ' Know that he who has often defeated gods in war and has vanquished nagas, gandharvas and demons has come to you (seeking your favour)'.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā (Vaidehī)
• rākṣasī (demonesses)

FAQs

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

Anger that overwhelms discernment leads to cruel speech—an ethical warning against krodha (wrath) and verbal violence, both opposed to dharma and satya.

What is the narrative situation?

The demonesses approach Sītā and begin a sequence of threats and persuasion to make her accept Rāvaṇa.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s forbearance (kṣamā) is tested against hostile speech; her commitment to truth and fidelity remains the implied virtue.