Shloka 5.24.34

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

Devanagari script

भज प्रीतिं च हर्षं च त्यजैतां नित्यदैन्यताम्।सीते राक्षसराजेन सह क्रीड यथासुखम्।।5.24.34।।

Transliteration

bhaja prītiṃ ca harṣaṃ ca tyajaitāṃ nityadainyatām |

sīte rākṣasarājena saha krīḍa yathāsukham ||5.24.34||

Translation

O Sītā, take to affection and delight; abandon this constant misery. Play and enjoy as you wish in the company of the rākṣasa-king.

Context

'O Sita! offer your love to Ravana, adore him and be happy. Give up this continuous dejection. Enjoy all pleasures along with the king of demons.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāvaṇa (implied by 'rākṣasarāja')

FAQs

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

Pleasure is proposed as a substitute for righteousness. The Ramayana’s dharma ethic rejects enjoyment gained through betrayal, coercion, or violation of marriage vows; true happiness must be grounded in satya and rightful conduct.

What is the narrative situation?

The rākṣasīs try to normalize life in captivity by urging Sītā to accept companionship with the rākṣasa-king.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s fidelity (pativratā-dharma) and inner strength, resisting both fear and temptation.