Shloka 5.23.18
राक्षसी-भर्त्सना (The Demonesses’ Coercive Counsel to Sītā)
ततस्तु दुर्मुखी नाम राक्षसी वाक्यमब्रवीत्।यस्य सूर्यो न तपति भीतो यस्य च मारुतः।।।।न वाति स्मायतापाङ्गे किं त्वं तस्य न तिष्ठसि।
anyā tu vikaṭā nāma rākṣasī vākyam abravīt | asakṛd devatā yuddhe nāga-gandharva-dānavāḥ | nirjitāḥ samare yena sa te pārśvam upāgataḥ ||
Another demoness, named Vikaṭā, spoke: “He who has again and again defeated the gods in war, and conquered nāgas, gandharvas, and dānavas in battle—he has come to your side.”
Then an ogress called Durmukhi said, 'O lady of long side-glances! why don't you yield to him, afraid of whom the Sun scorches not and strong winds blow not?
Repetition of the intimidation motif underscores that dharma cannot be coerced. Ethical choice must be grounded in truth and right conduct, not fear of a conqueror.
This verse duplicates the preceding statement in the provided Southern Recension input; it continues the same intimidation-based persuasion of Sītā.
Sītā’s steadfast refusal—inner strength against repeated psychological pressure.