Shloka 5.24.30

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

Devanagari script

न च नः कुरुषे वाक्यं हितं कालपुरस्कृतम्।।5.24.30।।आनीतासि समुद्रस्य पारमन्यैर्दुरासदम्।रावणान्तःपुरं घोरं प्रविष्टा चासि मैथिलि।।5.24.31।।

Transliteration

na ca naḥ kuruṣe vākyaṃ hitaṃ kālapuraskṛtam || 5.24.30 ||

Translation

Yet you do not accept our words—advice meant for your good and offered at the proper time.

Context

'O Mythili! you have heeded not our good and timely advice tendered in your interest. You have been brought to the other shore of the ocean and to the inner chambers of Ravana which is very difficult for others to access.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā (Maithilī)

FAQs

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

It shows the misuse of ‘hita’ (benefit) language: dharma-based counsel must align with truth and non-harm; advice that serves an oppressor’s desire is not truly ‘for your good.’

What is the narrative situation?

The rākṣasī complains that Sītā refuses their urging to accept Rāvaṇa, framing coercion as benevolent guidance.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral clarity: Sītā recognizes that ‘timely advice’ is not righteous when its goal violates dharma.