Shloka 6.121.3

अग्निपरीक्षासाक्ष्यं (Agni’s Testimony and Sītā’s Revalidation)

Devanagari script

तरुणादित्यसङ्काशंतप्तकाञ्चनभूषणाम् ।रक्ताम्बरधरांबालांसीलकुञ्चितमूर्थजाम् ।।।।अक्लिष्टमाल्याभरणांतथारूपामनिन्दिताम् ।ददौरामायवैदेहीमङ्केकृत्वाविभावसुः ।।।।

Transliteration

rāvaṇenāpanītaiṣā vīryotsiktena rakṣasā |

tvayā virahitā dīnā vivaśā nirjanād vanāt ||

Translation

This woman was carried off by Rāvaṇa, the rākṣasa intoxicated with his own might; separated from you, helpless and distressed, she was taken from the lonely forest.

Context

Radiating like the rising sun, adorned with polished gold ornaments, wearing red coloured clothes, with beautiful black hair, wearing fresh flowers, being in the same young form as before, blameless Vaidehi was held in the arms of the fire god and presented to Rama.

Characters & Entities

• Ravana
• Rama
• Sita
• Forest (vana)

FAQs

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

It distinguishes victimhood from culpability: being forcibly taken does not diminish righteousness; injustice lies with the aggressor, not the violated.

What is the narrative situation?

Agni recounts the circumstances of Sītā’s abduction to frame her suffering as coercion, not consent.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s helplessness under force underscores her innocence; Rāvaṇa’s arrogance highlights adharma.