Shloka 5.24.47

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

Devanagari script

सुरा चानीयतां क्षिप्रं सर्वशोकविनाशिनी।मानुषं मांसमास्वाद्य नृत्यामोऽथ निकुम्भिलाम्।।5.24.47।।

Transliteration

tataḥ śūrpaṇakhā nāma rākṣasī vākyam abravīt | ajāmukhyā yad uktaṃ hi tad eva mama rocate ||5.24.46||

Translation

Then the rākṣasī named Śūrpaṇakhā said: “What Ajāmukhī has said—indeed, that alone pleases me.”

Context

'Get the wine quickly, destroyer of all sorrows. After relishing the human flesh we will start Nikumbhila dance.'

Characters & Entities

• Śūrpaṇakhā
• Ajāmukhī
• Sītā

FAQs

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

Approving cruelty is itself a breach of Dharma; the verse shows how adharma spreads through endorsement and group agreement, opposed to satya and compassion.

What is the narrative situation?

Śūrpaṇakhā supports Ajāmukhī’s violent proposal, reinforcing the collective menace around Sītā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The narrative emphasizes Sītā’s moral isolation—her virtue stands alone against a chorus of adharma.