Shloka 5.40.11

अभिज्ञानदानम् / The Gift of Recognition (Sita’s Token and Resolve)

Devanagari script

घोरो राक्षसराजोऽयं दृष्टिश्च न सुखा मयि।त्वां च श्रुत्वा विपद्यन्तं न जीवेयमहं क्षणम्।।5.40.11।।

Transliteration

ghoro rākṣasarājo ’yaṃ dṛṣṭiś ca na sukhā mayi | tvāṃ ca śrutvā vipadyantaṃ na jīveyam ahaṃ kṣaṇam ||

Translation

This king of rākṣasas is dreadful, and his gaze upon me is not auspicious. And if I were to hear that you have fallen into calamity, I would not live even for a moment.

Context

"The demon king is frightful. He looks at me with immoral (lusty) eyes. I do not wish to live even for a moment after hearing about the adversities (you have faced)."

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāvaṇa
• Rākṣasas
• Rāma

FAQs

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

Dharma is contrasted: Rāvaṇa’s adharmic intent (unwholesome gaze) versus Sītā’s moral integrity and truthfulness about danger and suffering.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā explains the severity of her threat in Laṅkā and expresses that news of Rāma’s harm would end her will to live.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Chastity and moral firmness, alongside deep devotion and empathy for Rāma’s suffering.