Shloka 16
राक्षसी-भर्त्सना
The Demonesses’ Coercive Counsel to Sītā
अन्या तु विकटा नाम राक्षसी वाक्यमब्रवीत्।।5.23.15।।असकृद्देवता युद्धे नागगन्धर्वदानवाः।निर्जिताः समरे येन स ते पार्श्वमुपागतः।।5.23.16।।
anyā tu vikaṭā nāma rākṣasī vākyam abravīt | asakṛd devatā yuddhe nāga-gandharva-dānavāḥ | nirjitāḥ samare yena sa te pārśvam upāgataḥ ||
ヴィカター（Vikaṭā）という別の羅刹女が語った。「戦において幾度となく神々（デーヴァ）を破り、那伽（ナーガ）・乾闥婆（ガンダルヴァ）・陀那婆（ダーナヴァ）を戦場で征服したその者が、汝の傍らへ来たのだ。」
Then an ogress called Durmukhi said, 'O lady of long side-glances! why don't you yield to him, afraid of whom the Sun scorches not and strong winds blow not?
FAQs
Repetition of the intimidation motif underscores that dharma cannot be coerced. Ethical choice must be grounded in truth and right conduct, not fear of a conqueror.
This verse duplicates the preceding statement in the provided Southern Recension input; it continues the same intimidation-based persuasion of Sītā.
Sītā’s steadfast refusal—inner strength against repeated psychological pressure.