Shloka 6.31.16

मायाशिरोप्रदर्शनम् (The Display of the Illusory Head of Rāma)

Devanagari script

विसृजेमांमतिंमूढे: किंमृतेनकरिष्यसि ।भवस्वभद्रे: भार्याणांसर्वेसामीश्वरीमम ।।।।

Transliteration

visṛja etāṃ matiṃ mūḍhe; kiṃ mṛtena kariṣyasi | bhava sva-bhadre bhāryāṇāṃ sarvāsām īśvarī mama ||

Translation

Foolish woman—abandon this thought. What will you do with a husband who is as good as dead? O fair one, become the queen over all my wives.

Context

"O Foolish one! Give up these thoughts from your mind. What will you do with your deceased husband? O auspicious one! You are the queen of all my wives."

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Sītā

FAQs

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

The verse highlights adharma by contrast: Rāvaṇa attempts to break Sītā’s fidelity and truthfulness through fear and inducement. Dharma here is implied as steadfast loyalty and integrity in marriage, resisting coercion and unethical offers.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa tries to manipulate Sītā by urging her to abandon hope in Rāma and accept royal status among his wives—part of a deceptive strategy to unsettle her resolve.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s virtue is implicit: steadfastness (dhṛti) and fidelity (pativratā-bhāva), remaining anchored in satya despite intimidation and allure.