Kuntī–Sūrya-saṃvāda: Autonomy, Reputation, and the Promise of Karṇa
अशोकवनिकास्थां तां रामदर्शनलालसाम् । खड्गमादाय दुष्टात्मा जवेनाभिपपात ह,दुष्टात्मा दशानन हाथमें तलवार लेकर अशोक-वाटिकामें श्रीरामचन्द्रजीके दर्शनकी लालसासे बैठी हुई सीताजीके पास बड़े वेगसे दौड़ा गया
aśokavanikāsthāṃ tāṃ rāmadarśanalālasām | khaḍgam ādāya duṣṭātmā javena abhipapāta ha ||
Disse Mārkaṇḍeya: Tomando uma espada, o Dez-Cabeças, de alma perversa, arremeteu com grande velocidade contra Sītā, sentada no bosque de Aśoka, ansiando pela visão de Rāma.
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
The verse contrasts adharma-driven aggression with dharma-rooted fidelity: Rāvaṇa’s violent intent arises from a corrupted mind, while Sītā’s longing for Rāma reflects steadfast devotion and moral integrity under threat.
In the Aśoka grove, Sītā sits yearning to see Rāma. Rāvaṇa (the Ten-headed) seizes a sword and rushes toward her with great speed, escalating the danger and highlighting his coercive, unrighteous pursuit.