Shloka 20
सीताया रावणं प्रति धर्मोपदेशः
Sita’s Dharmic Admonition to Ravana
विदितः स हि धर्मज्ञः शरणागतवत्सलः।।।।तेन मैत्री भवतु ते यदि जीवितुमिच्छसि।
viditaḥ sa hi dharmajñaḥ śaraṇāgatavatsalaḥ | tena maitrī bhavatu te yadi jīvitum icchasi ||
ಅವನು ಧರ್ಮಜ್ಞನಾಗಿಯೂ ಶರಣಾಗತರನ್ನು ಪ್ರೀತಿಸುವವನಾಗಿಯೂ ಪ್ರಸಿದ್ಧನು; ನೀನು ಬದುಕಲು ಇಚ್ಛಿಸಿದರೆ, ನಿನ್ನ ಮತ್ತು ಅವನ ನಡುವೆ ಮೈತ್ರಿ ಇರಲಿ.
"He is famous as a knower of dharma and is compassionate to those who seek his protection. If you desire to preserve your life build friendship with him.
FAQs
Śaraṇāgati (seeking refuge) is honored in dharma; the righteous protect even those who submit, making reconciliation morally possible.
Sītā describes Rāma’s reputation for dharma and urges Rāvaṇa toward friendship/submission to preserve his life.
Rāma’s compassion to the surrendered, and Sītā’s truthful testimony about his character.