Shloka 5.58.70

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

Devanagari script

राक्षसाधम रामस्य भार्याममिततेजसः।इक्ष्वाकुकुलनाथस्य स्नुषां दशरथस्य च।।।।अवाच्यं वदतो जिह्वा कथं न पतिता तव।

Transliteration

rākṣasādhama rāmasya bhāryām amitatejasaḥ |

ikṣvākukulanāthasya snuṣāṃ daśarathasya ca ||

avācyaṃ vadato jihvā kathaṃ na patitā tava ||

Translation

O vilest of rākṣasas! I am the wife of Rāma of immeasurable splendor, the daughter-in-law of Daśaratha, lord of the Ikṣvāku line. How has your tongue not fallen out, speaking what should never be spoken?

Context

'O lowly demon! I am the wife of valiant Rama and daughter-in-law of Dasaratha, the king of Ikshvaku race. How is it your tongue that spoke unspeakable words has not fallen down?

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāma
• Rāvaṇa
• Daśaratha
• Ikṣvāku (dynasty)

FAQs

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

It teaches the dharma of speech (vāg-dharma): words must honor what is sacred and protected; violating moral boundaries through obscene or coercive speech is condemned.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā answers Rāvaṇa’s threats by asserting her lawful identity and condemning his shameless words.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Satya and self-respect—Sītā stands on truth (her marital fidelity and lineage) and refuses to be morally intimidated.