सीताभर्त्सना
The Ogresses’ Threats to Sita and Her Vow of Fidelity
विभजाम ततः सर्वा विवादो मे न रोचते।पेयमानीयतां क्षिप्रं लेह्यमुच्चावचं बहु।।5.24.45।।
vibhajāma tataḥ sarvā vivādo me na rocate | peyam ānīyatāṃ kṣipraṃ lehyam uccāvacaṃ bahu ||5.24.45||
“ततः सर्वाः विभजाम; मे विवादो न रोचते। क्षिप्रं पेयम् आनयत, लेह्यम् उच्चावचं बहु च।”
Then an ogress called Surpanakha said, 'I too like the proposal of Ajamukhi.'
It shows how adharma normalizes cruelty—planning violence like a feast; Dharma warns that ethical collapse often appears as casual, communal ‘arrangement’ rather than sudden rage.
The ogresses move from threats to logistical planning—division of portions and preparation of food and drink.
The virtue is implicit: Sītā’s restraint and dignity amid degradation, which the text uses to underline her adherence to Dharma.