Shloka 5.27.5

त्रिजटास्वप्नवर्णनम् (Trijata’s Dream-Omens and the Rakshasis’ Reversal)

Devanagari script

आत्मानं खादतानार्या न सीतां भक्षयिष्यथ।जनकस्य सुतामिष्टां स्नुषां दशरथस्य च।।5.27.5।।

Transliteration

ātmānaṃ khādatānāryā na sītāṃ bhakṣayiṣyatha | janakasya sutām iṣṭāṃ snuṣāṃ daśarathasya ca ||5.27.5||

Translation

Devour your own selves, O ignoble ones, if you must—but you shall not devour Sītā: Janaka’s beloved daughter and Daśaratha’s daughter-in-law.

Context

"Devour yourselves now, O ignoble ones, if you will. Do not eat Janaka's favourite daughter, the daughter-in-law of Dasaratha.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Janaka
• Daśaratha
• Rākṣasīs

FAQs

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

Unyielding adherence to satya and dignity under threat: Sītā refuses to be reduced to fear, asserting moral inviolability despite coercion.

What is the narrative situation?

In Aśoka-vana, the rākṣasīs menace Sītā with violence; she answers with a_toggle bold rebuke, declaring they may destroy themselves but will not consume her.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Dhṛti (fortitude) and self-respect grounded in dharma—Sītā’s steadfast courage in captivity.