Shloka 5.26.12

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

Devanagari script

छिन्ना भिन्ना विभक्ता वा दीप्तेवाग्नौ प्रदीपिता।रावणं नोपतिष्ठेयं किं प्रलापेन वश्चिरम्।।।।

Transliteration

chinnā bhinnā vibhaktā vā dīpte vāgnau pradīpitā | rāvaṇaṁ nopatiṣṭheyaṁ kiṁ pralāpena vaś ciram || 5.26.12 ||

Translation

“Cut apart, shattered, or burned in blazing fire—I still would not submit to Rāvaṇa. What is the use of your long, empty talk?”

Context

"Even if I am cut, broken to pieces or burnt in glowing fire, I will not accept Ravana. Why do you shout for so long?

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāvaṇa
• fire (agni)

FAQs

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

Truth and righteousness are not to be traded for safety: Sītā declares that bodily harm is preferable to consenting to adharma.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā answers prolonged intimidation/argumentation with an absolute refusal, emphasizing the futility of coercive persuasion.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Unbreakable resolve (dṛḍha-vrata): commitment to virtue even at the cost of life.