Shloka 5.37.61
हनूमत्सीतासंवादः — Hanuman’s Offer of Rescue and Sita’s Dharmic Refusal
यदहं गात्रसंस्पर्शं रावणस्य बलाद्गता।अनीशा किं करिष्यामि विनाथा विवशा सती।।।।
yad ahaṃ gātra-saṃsparśaṃ rāvaṇasya balād gatā | anīśā kiṃ kariṣyāmi vināthā vivaśā satī ||
If by sheer force I was made to endure the touch of Rāvaṇa’s limbs—powerless, unprotected, and helpless—what could I possibly do?
"I had no control over myself. I was helpless and my husband was not present when I had to bear the touch of Ravana's limbs. What can I do?
Dharma recognizes innocence under coercion: moral blame does not attach to the victim of force; truth is maintained by distinguishing consent from violence.
Sītā explains the reality of her abduction and coercion, asserting her helplessness and thus her unimpaired fidelity.
Sītā’s truthfulness and moral clarity—she defends her integrity without distortion or self-deception.