Shloka 5.26.10

सीताविलापः — Sita’s Lament and Prophecy of Lanka’s Ruin

Devanagari script

चरणेनापि सव्येन न स्पृशेयं निशाचरम्।रावणं किं पुनरहं काममेयं विगर्हितम्।।।।

Transliteration

caraṇenāpi savyena na spṛśeyaṁ niśācaram | rāvaṇaṁ kiṁ punar ahaṁ kāmam enaṁ vigarhitam || 5.26.10 ||

Translation

“I would not even touch that vile night-roamer Rāvaṇa with my left foot—how much less could I ever desire him in love?”

Context

"I will not even touch that vile night-ranger Ravana with my left foot. What to speak of loving him.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāvaṇa
• rākṣasa (niśācara)

FAQs

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

Uncompromising satya and chastity under coercion: Sītā asserts moral autonomy and rejects adharma, refusing even symbolic contact with an unrighteous aggressor.

What is the narrative situation?

Under pressure to submit, Sītā verbally repudiates any possibility of accepting or desiring Rāvaṇa.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral courage and purity of intent—firm refusal despite danger.