Shloka 5.24.45

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

Devanagari script

विभजाम ततः सर्वा विवादो मे न रोचते।पेयमानीयतां क्षिप्रं लेह्यमुच्चावचं बहु।।5.24.45।।

Transliteration

tatastv ajāmukhī nāma rākṣasī vākyam abravīt | viśasyemāṃ tataḥ sarvāḥ samān kuruta piṇḍakān ||5.24.44||

Translation

Then the rākṣasī named Ajāmukhī said: “Cut her up, and then all of you make equal portions.”

Context

'We shall share them. I do not like disputes in this regard. Go swiftly and get drinks and food to lick. Let the accompanying dishes of all variety and quality be brought.'

Characters & Entities

• Ajāmukhī
• Sītā

FAQs

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

The verse illustrates the collapse of Dharma when life is treated as an object for consumption; it implicitly affirms that righteousness requires reverence for life and compassion.

What is the narrative situation?

Ajāmukhī proposes a methodical division of Sītā’s body, showing the organized, communal nature of the threat.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By contrast, Sītā’s sanctity and innocence are emphasized; the more calculated the cruelty, the more her purity stands out in the narrative.