Valmiki Ramayana 5.22.6 — Sundara Kanda, Sarga 22, Shloka 6
रावणस्य तर्जनं सीताया धर्मोक्तिः
Ravana’s Threats and Sita’s Dharma-Centered Reply
परुषाणीह वाक्यानि यानि यानि ब्रवीषि माम्।तेषु तेषु वधो युक्तस्तव मैथिलि दारुणः।।।।
paruṣāṇīha vākyāni yāni yāni bravīṣi mām | teṣu teṣu vadho yuktas tava maithili dāruṇaḥ ||
हे मैथिली, इथे तू मला जे जे कठोर वचन बोलतेस, त्या प्रत्येक वचनासाठी तुझा दारुण वध ‘युक्त’ आहे—असे तो मानतो।
"O Mythili! for each of the piercing statements made you deserve dreadful death."
FAQs
It contrasts dharma-based restraint in speech with coercive power: Rāvaṇa treats truthful rebuke as a punishable offense. The Ramayana’s ethical frame supports satya spoken with courage, not violence used to silence truth.
Rāvaṇa reacts to Sītā’s refusal and reproach, escalating threats by claiming that her harsh words warrant death.
Sītā’s fearlessness in speaking satya (truthful condemnation of wrongdoing) is emphasized, even when confronted by lethal intimidation.
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