Shloka 5.23.5

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

Devanagari script

ततस्त्वेकजटा नाम राक्षसी वाक्यमब्रवीत्।आमन्त्य्र क्रोधाताम्राक्षी सीतां करतलोदरीम्।।।।

Transliteration

tatas tv ekajaṭā nāma rākṣasī vākyam abravīt |

āmन्त्र्य krodhātāmrākṣī sītāṃ karatalodarīm ||

Translation

Then the rākṣasī named Ekajaṭā spoke; calling to Sītā, her eyes reddened with anger, she addressed her—Ekajaṭā, the palm-bellied one.

Context

Then Ekajata, a she-demon of hideous looks, eyes red with anger and a belly of the size of the palm said to Sita:

Characters & Entities

• Ekajaṭā
• Sītā

FAQs

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

Dharma rejects coercion and intimidation in matters of consent and marriage; anger-driven speech here models adharma—attempting to bend another’s will through fear.

What is the narrative situation?

A specific ogress, Ekajaṭā, steps forward to speak directly to Sītā as the pressure campaign intensifies.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s forbearance (kṣānti) is foregrounded by contrast with the rākṣasī’s anger and harsh demeanor.