Shloka 5.24.29
सीताभर्त्सना — The Ogresses’ Threats to Sita and Her Vow of Fidelity
बहून्यप्रियरूपाणि वचनानि सुदुर्मते।।5.24.29।।
अनुक्रोशान्मृदुत्वाच्च सोढानि तव मैथिलि।
bahūny apriyarūpāṇi vacanāni sudurmate || 5.24.29 ||
anukrośān mṛdutvāc ca soḍhāni tava maithili |
O ill-minded Maithili, we have endured many harsh and unpleasant words of yours, out of pity and out of our gentleness.
'O wicked Mythili! we have tolerated many unpleasant words uttered by you due to our kindness and mildness৷৷
The verse shows a reversal of ethics: the aggressor claims moral high ground (“we were gentle”) while harassing the captive. Dharma demands protecting the vulnerable and speaking truthfully, not reframing cruelty as kindness.
Vikaṭā rebukes Sītā, claiming the rākṣasīs have been patient with her refusals and sharp replies.
Truthfulness and self-respect: Sītā’s ‘unpleasant words’ are essentially her truthful refusal to accept adharma.