Shloka 5.25.16

सीताविलापः (Sita’s Lament amid Rākṣasī Threats)

Devanagari script

तं पद्मदलपत्राक्षं सिंहविक्रान्तगामिनम्।धन्याः पश्यन्ति मे नाथं कृतज्ञं प्रियवादिनम्।।5.25.16।।

Transliteration

na mānuṣī rākṣasasya bhāryā bhavitum arhati | kāmaṃ khādata māṃ sarvā na kariṣyāmi vo vacaḥ || 5.25.3 ||

Translation

A human woman is not fit to become a rākṣasa’s wife. Eat me if you wish—all of you; I will not do as you command.

Context

'Blessed are those who are in touch with my husband with eyes like lotus petals, whose walk is majestic like a lion's, who has a sense of gratitude and is pleasing in words.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rākṣasīs
• Rākṣasa (implicit: Rāvaṇa)

FAQs

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

Dharma as fidelity and moral boundary (maryādā): Sītā rejects an unrighteous union even under threat, choosing truth and integrity over survival by compromise.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā, held captive, is being pressured to accept a rākṣasa husband; she openly refuses and declares she will not obey.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Unbreakable chastity and courage—she prefers death to adharma.