Shloka 5.23.21

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

Devanagari script

साधु ते तत्त्वतो देवि कथितं साधु भामिनि।।।।गृहाण सुस्मिते वाक्यमन्यथा न भविष्यसि।

Transliteration

sādhu te tattvato devi kathitaṃ sādhu bhāmini |

gṛhāṇa susmite vākyam anyathā na bhaviṣyasi ||

Translation

O queen, O fair lady, what has been spoken to you is truly right and for your good. Accept these words, gentle-smiling one; otherwise you will not remain alive.

Context

'O beautiful lady with a gentle smile! we have tendered good advice to you wishing you well. Accept this advice or else you may not be alive.'ityārṣē śrīmadrāmāyaṇē vālmīkīya ādikāvyē sundarakāṇḍē trayōviṅśassargaḥ.Thus ends the twentythird sarga of Sundarakanda of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā

FAQs

How does this verse relate to Dharma and Satya (truth) in the Sundarakāṇḍa context?

The speakers claim they are stating the truth (tattvataḥ) and offering “good counsel,” but their words function as coercion and a threat; the episode highlights how true dharma is not merely asserting “truth” but upholding righteousness without violence or intimidation—something Sītā embodies by refusing adharma despite fear.

Who is being addressed as “devi,” “bhāmini,” and “susmite,” and why use such respectful epithets in a threat?

These epithets address Sītā. The rākṣasīs use honorific and flattering language to pressure her into compliance, mixing seeming respect with intimidation—an ethical contrast to Sītā’s steadfast adherence to truth and fidelity.