Shloka 5.26.11

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

Devanagari script

प्रत्याख्यातं न जानाति नात्मानं नात्मनः कुलम्।यो नृशंसस्वभावेन मां प्रार्थयितुमिच्छति।।।।

Transliteration

pratyākhyātaṁ na jānāti nātmānaṁ nātmanaḥ kulam | yo nṛśaṁsa-svabhāvena māṁ prārthayitum icchati || 5.26.11 ||

Translation

“He who, by a cruel nature, seeks to plead for me does not understand rejection—nor does he understand himself or his own lineage.”

Context

'As Ravana has no heart, he pleads to gain me. He is aware of neither his own self nor his family.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāvaṇa (implied as 'he')

FAQs

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

Dharma is tied to self-knowledge and respect for lineage and honor; coercive desire is portrayed as ignorance of truth (satya) about oneself and one’s social-moral responsibilities.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā condemns the suitor’s coercive intent, framing it as moral blindness and dishonor.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Discernment (viveka): she identifies adharma not merely as personal offense but as ethical and social degradation.