Shloka 6.31.42

मायाशिरोप्रदर्शनम् (The Display of the Illusory Head of Rāma)

Devanagari script

अग्रतःकुरुसीतायाश्शीघ्रंदाशरधेशशिरः ।अवस्थांपश्चिमांभर्तुःकृपणासाधुपश्यतु ।।।।

Transliteration

agrataḥ kuru sītāyāḥ śīghraṃ dāśaratheśa śiraḥ |

avasthāṃ paścimāṃ bhartuḥ kṛpaṇā sādhu paśyatu ||

Translation

"Quickly place the head of Dasharatha's son before Sita. Let that pitiable woman see her husband's final condition."

Context

At once place the head of Dasaratha's son before that piteous woman. Let her see the ultimate status attained by her husband at the end (said Ravana).

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Sītā
• Daśaratha
• Rāma (as Daśaratha’s son)
• head (claimed)
• Vidyujihva

FAQs

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

It condemns coercion and deception as adharma; the Ramayana’s dharmic ideal upholds satya and compassion, not psychological torture of the innocent.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa orders that the supposed severed head of Rāma be displayed to Sītā to break her spirit.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s steadfastness is the implied counterpoint: unwavering commitment to truth and righteousness despite intimidation.