Shloka 5.23.3

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

Devanagari script

ततः सीतामुपागम्य राक्षस्यः क्रोधमूर्छिताः।परं परुषया वाचा वैदेहीमिदमब्रुवन्।।।।

Transliteration

sādhu te tattvato devi kathitaṃ sādhu bhāmini | gṛhāṇa susmite vākyam anyathā na bhaviṣyasi ||

Translation

O queen, O beautiful one, we have told you what is good and true. Accept these words, gentle-smiling lady; otherwise you will not survive.

Context

The demonesses, overcome with anger, approached Sita and harshly said:

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• rākṣasī (demonesses)

FAQs

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

It warns against false ‘good counsel’ backed by threats. Dharma and satya cannot be separated from non-violence and freedom from coercion; advice that ends in ‘obey or die’ is fundamentally adharma.

What is the narrative situation?

The demonesses conclude a round of persuasion by issuing an ultimatum: accept their proposal (accept Rāvaṇa) or face death.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s moral firmness: she must hold to truth and dharma even when threatened with survival itself.