Shloka 5.24.37

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

Devanagari script

स्त्री सहस्राणि ते सप्त वशे स्थास्यन्ति सुन्दरि।रावणं भज भर्तारं भर्तारं सर्वरक्षसाम्।।5.24.37।।

Transliteration

strī sahasrāṇi te sapta vaśe sthāsyanti sundari |

rāvaṇaṃ bhaja bhartāraṃ bhartāraṃ sarvarakṣasām ||5.24.37||

Translation

O beautiful one, seven thousand women will remain under your command; accept Rāvaṇa as your husband—the lord of all rākṣasas.

Context

'O beautiful Sita! seven thousand ogresses will be at your beck and call. (Therefore) accept Ravana, the lord of all ogres as your husband.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāvaṇa
• rākṣasīs (implied by many women)

FAQs

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

It exposes the ethical fallacy of equating authority with legitimacy. Dharma is not validated by power, rank, or attendants; it is validated by rightful conduct, consent, and truth.

What is the narrative situation?

The rākṣasīs escalate persuasion by promising Sītā dominance and royal status if she accepts Rāvaṇa.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Integrity—Sītā’s values are not for sale, even for sovereignty or status.