Shloka 5.25.8

सीताविलापः (Sita’s Lament amid Rākṣasī Threats)

Devanagari script

सा वेपमाना पतिता प्रवाते कदली यथा।राक्षसीनां भयत्रस्ता विवर्णवदनाभवत्।।5.25.8।।

Transliteration

sā vepamānā patitā pravāte kadalī yathā | rākṣasīnāṁ bhaya-trastā vivarṇa-vadanābhavat || 5.25.8 ||

Translation

Trembling like a banana plant felled by a fierce wind, Sītā—terrified of the rākṣasīs—grew pale of face.

Context

Trembling like a banana tree uprooted by the stormy wind, Sita who was seized with fear of the ogresses looked pale and desperate.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• rākṣasīs

FAQs

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

Dharma is tested under coercion: the verse frames Sītā’s fear as a human response while implying the ethical struggle of remaining true (satya) despite intimidation.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā is surrounded by hostile rākṣasīs; the atmosphere of threat makes her tremble and lose color.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral courage: even when physically shaken, she continues to resist the forces pressing her toward adharma.