Shloka 5.24.43

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

Devanagari script

निवेद्यतां ततो राज्ञे मानुषी सा मृतेति ह।नात्र कश्चन संदेहः खादतेति स वक्ष्यति।।5.24.43।।

Transliteration

tatastu praghasā nāma rākṣasī vākyam abravīt | kaṇṭham asyā nṛśaṃsāyāḥ pīḍayāma kim āsyate ||5.24.42||

Translation

Then the rākṣasī named Praghasā spoke: “Why are we sitting idle? Let us squeeze the throat of this ruthless woman.”

Context

'Thereafter we will announce that such a human being is dead. Then Ravana will simply say 'eat her up'. There is no doubt .'

Characters & Entities

• Praghasā
• Sītā

FAQs

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

Dharma is shown by contrast: threatening a helpless captive is adharma and misuse of strength; righteousness demands restraint and protection of the vulnerable.

What is the narrative situation?

Praghasā urges immediate physical violence against Sītā as the group’s intimidation intensifies.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The verse foregrounds the rākṣasīs’ cruelty; by narrative contrast it later magnifies Sītā’s moral courage and purity.