Shloka 5.58.65

सुन्दरकाण्डे अष्टपञ्चाशः सर्गः — हनुमद्वृत्तान्तकथनम्, सीताभिज्ञान-प्रदानम्, लङ्कादाह-वर्णनम्

Devanagari script

तं दृष्ट्वाथ वरारोहा सीता रक्षोगणेश्वरम्।सङ्कुच्योरूस्तनौ पीनौ बाहुभ्यां परिरभ्य च।।।।

Transliteration

taṃ dṛṣṭvātha varārohā sītā rakṣogaṇeśvaram |

saṅkucyorūstanau pīnau bāhubhyāṃ parirabhya ca ||

Translation

Seeing Rāvaṇa, lord of the rākṣasa hosts, fair-hipped Sītā shrank in fear, pressed her thighs together, and covered her full breasts by folding her arms about herself.

Context

"On seeing Ravana, the king of demons, beautiful Sita, full of fear hid her face and plump breasts between her thighs.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

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

It underscores maryādā (modesty and self-protection) and the ethical gravity of violating a protected woman; Sītā’s instinctive withdrawal highlights the adharma of coercion.

What is the narrative situation?

In Laṅkā’s Aśoka grove context, Sītā sees Rāvaṇa approaching and reacts with fear and protective modesty.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s chastity and steadfast self-restraint—she guards her dignity even under threat.