Shloka 5.23.16
राक्षसी-भर्त्सना (The Demonesses’ Coercive Counsel to Sītā)
अन्या तु विकटा नाम राक्षसी वाक्यमब्रवीत्।।5.23.15।।असकृद्देवता युद्धे नागगन्धर्वदानवाः।निर्जिताः समरे येन स ते पार्श्वमुपागतः।।5.23.16।।
samṛddhaṃ strīsahasreṇa nānāratnopaśobhitam | antaḥpuraṃ samutsṛjya tvām upaiṣyati rāvaṇaḥ ||
Rāvaṇa, abandoning his splendid inner palace—rich with a thousand women and adorned with many kinds of jewels—comes seeking you.
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)'.
The verse illustrates adharma as possessive desire: Sītā is treated as an object of acquisition despite her rightful marriage. Dharma upholds consent, fidelity, and respect for another’s marriage; coercive pursuit violates satya and righteousness.
A demoness attempts to persuade Sītā by praising Rāvaṇa’s wealth and claiming he would forsake his harem for her.
Sītā’s chastity and loyalty (pativratā-dharma) are the virtues under pressure, contrasted with Rāvaṇa’s uncontrolled desire.