Shloka 6.114.68
रावणस्य अन्त्येष्टिः — Ravana’s Funeral Rites and the Ethics of Post-War Conduct
अपनीयाश्रमाद्रामंयन्मृगच्छद्मनात्वया ।।।।आनीतारामपनतीसातत्तेकातर्यलक्षणम् ।
apanīyāśramād rāmaṃ yan mṛgacchadmanā tvayā |
ānītā rāmapatnī sā tat te kātarya-lakṣaṇam |
With the deer-disguise you lured Rāma away from the āśrama, and thus carried off Sītā, Rāma’s wife—this is the very mark of your cowardice.
"By your cowardly action of creating an illusory deer, you have brought Rama's consort from the hermitage."
Deceit used to violate another’s household is adharmic; righteousness requires straightforward conduct, especially regarding women’s safety and consent.
The speaker recalls the stratagem of the illusory deer that separated Rāma from Sītā, enabling her abduction.
Integrity and honorable courage—contrasted with cowardice that hides behind trickery.