Shloka 2
राक्षसी-भर्त्सना
The Demonesses’ Coercive Counsel to Sītā
निष्क्रान्ते राक्षसेन्द्रे तु पुनरन्तःपुरं गते।राक्षस्यो भीमरूपास्ताः सीतां समभिदुद्रुवुः।।।।
niṣkrānte rākṣasendre tu punar antaḥpuraṃ gate | rākṣasyo bhīmarūpās tāḥ sītāṃ samabhidudruvuḥ ||
羅刹の王が立ち去り、再び奥宮へ戻ったとき、恐ろしき姿の羅刹女たちはシーターに駆け寄り、群がり囲んだ。
'Ravana is prepared to abandon a thousand wives in his prosperous harem decorated with all kinds of gems in order to accept you.'
FAQs
The verse frames adharma through intimidation: when power withdraws (Rāvaṇa leaving), coercive agents (demonesses) immediately press the vulnerable. It highlights how unrighteous rule relies on fear rather than consent or justice.
After Rāvaṇa departs for the inner palace, the demonesses surround Sītā, preparing to threaten and pressure her.
Sītā’s steadfastness is implicitly foregrounded: despite being surrounded, she remains the moral center whose fidelity and truth are tested.