Shloka 19
मारीचोपदेशः — Maricha’s Counsel to Ravana
On Rama’s Dharma and the Peril of Abduction
तस्य सा नरसिंहस्य सिंहोरस्कस्य भामिनी।प्राणेभ्योऽपि प्रियतरा भार्या नित्यमनुव्रता।।।।
tasya sā narasiṃhasya siṃhoraskasya bhāminī | prāṇebhyo 'pi priyatarā bhāryā nityam anuvratā ||
Dialah Sītā yang berseri, isteri kepada singa di antara manusia itu, berdada bidang laksana singa; sentiasa setia mengiringi, dia lebih dikasihi olehnya daripada nafas hidupnya sendiri.
O king, it is always easy to find men who speak pleasing words, but it is difficult to get a speaker and a listener who use words unpleasant (to the ears) but beneficial (in life).
FAQs
Dharma upholds marital sanctity and loyalty; violating such a bond is a grave adharma with severe consequences.
Mārīca reminds Rāvaṇa of the intimate, devoted bond between Rāma and Sītā to deter the abduction plan.
Sītā’s anuvratā-dharma (steadfast devotion) and Rāma’s deep, protective love.