Shloka 5.24.31
सीताभर्त्सना — The Ogresses’ Threats to Sita and Her Vow of Fidelity
न च नः कुरुषे वाक्यं हितं कालपुरस्कृतम्।।5.24.30।।आनीतासि समुद्रस्य पारमन्यैर्दुरासदम्।रावणान्तःपुरं घोरं प्रविष्टा चासि मैथिलि।।5.24.31।।
ānītāsi samudrasya pāram anyair durāsadam |
rāvaṇāntaḥpuraṃ ghoraṃ praviṣṭā cāsi maithili ||5.24.31||
O Maithilī, you have been carried to the far shore of the ocean—hard for others to reach—and you have entered the dreadful inner apartments of Rāvaṇa.
'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.
The verse highlights the misuse of power: intimidation and confinement are presented as ‘inescapable,’ which stands in opposition to dharma. In the Ramayana’s ethical frame, righteousness does not rely on coercion but on just conduct and respect for another’s autonomy.
In Laṅkā, Sītā is held captive and surrounded by rākṣasīs who attempt to break her resolve by emphasizing how unreachable and terrifying Rāvaṇa’s inner quarters are.
Sītā’s steadfastness (dhairya) is implied by the need for such threats; her commitment to truth and fidelity remains unshaken despite fear tactics.