Shloka 5.24.24

सीताभर्त्सना — The Ogresses’ Threats to Sita and Her Vow of Fidelity

Devanagari script

रावणं भज भर्तारं भर्तारं सर्वरक्षसाम्।।5.24.23।।

विक्रान्तं रूपवन्तं च सुरेशमिव वासवम्।

दक्षिणं त्यागशीलं च सर्वस्य प्रियदर्शनम्।।5.24.24।।

Transliteration

vikrāntaṃ rūpavantaṃ ca sureśam iva vāsavam |

dakṣiṇaṃ tyāgaśīlaṃ ca sarvasya priyadarśanam || 5.24.24 ||

Translation

“He is valiant and handsome, like Vāsava (Indra), lord of the gods—generous, inclined to renunciation and giving, and pleasing to behold for all.”

Context

'Accept as your husband the demon king Ravana, courageous and handsome like Indra, king of the gods generous, sacrificing and pleasing.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Indra (Vāsava)
• Sītā

FAQs

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

The verse highlights how external qualities (beauty, valor, generosity) are used to justify an unethical demand; dharma teaches that righteousness is not validated by power or charm when consent and truth are violated.

What is the narrative situation?

The rākṣasīs shift from threats to flattery, magnifying Rāvaṇa’s attributes to persuade Sītā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Discernment (viveka): Sītā must distinguish true virtue from mere display used for coercion.