Shloka 5.24.13
सीताभर्त्सना — The Ogresses’ Threats to Sita and Her Vow of Fidelity
सीताया वचनं श्रुत्वा राक्षस्यः क्रोधमूर्छिताः।।5.24.13।।
भर्त्सयन्ति स्म परुषैर्वाक्यै रावणचोदिताः।
sītāyā vacanaṃ śrutvā rākṣasyaḥ krodha-mūrcchitāḥ ॥5.24.13॥
bhartsayanti sma paruṣair vākyai rāvaṇa-coditāḥ ।
Hearing Sītā’s words, the rākṣasī women—urged on by Rāvaṇa and overcome with anger—began again to browbeat her with harsh speech.
Hearing the reply of Sita, the ogresses ordered by Ravana and overtaken by anger again began to threaten Sita using harsh words.
The verse highlights how adharma operates through coercion and intimidation; dharma stands in refusing to abandon truth and fidelity even under threat.
After Sītā’s reply, the rākṣasīs—acting under Rāvaṇa’s command—renew their verbal assaults to break her resolve in Aśoka-vana.
Sītā’s steadfastness (dhṛti) and commitment to satya and marital fidelity, shown by the reaction her words provoke.