Shloka 5.24.7

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

Devanagari script

यदिदं लोकविद्विष्टमुदाहरथ सङ्गताः।

नैतन्मनसि वाक्यं मे किल्बिषं प्रतिभाति वः।।5.24.7।।

Transliteration

yad idaṃ lokavidviṣṭam udāharatha saṅgatāḥ |

na etan manasi vākyaṃ me kilbiṣaṃ pratibhāti vaḥ ||5.24.7||

Translation

“All of you, gathered together, have uttered words that the world condemns; your sinful counsel does not find acceptance in my mind.”

Context

"All of you joined together and spoke such words that are not acceptable to the world. Your sinful words of advice do not appeal to me.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• rākṣasī (ogresses)
• loka (the world/society)

FAQs

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

Dharma is aligned with what is morally defensible before the ‘loka’ (the ethical conscience of society) and what is free from kilbiṣa (sin/blame). Sītā refuses counsel that violates righteousness.

What is the narrative situation?

The ogresses attempt to pressure Sītā toward acceptance of Rāvaṇa; Sītā answers that their proposal is socially and morally reprehensible.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral discernment and integrity: Sītā identifies adharma as ‘lokavidviṣṭa’ and refuses to internalize it.