Shloka 1
सीताया रावणनिन्दा — अशोकवनिकाप्रवेशः
Sita’s Rebuke of Ravana; Removal to the Ashoka Grove
सा तथोक्ता तु वैदेही निर्भया शोककर्शिता।तृणमन्तरतः कृत्वा रावणं प्रत्यभाषत।।।।
sā tathoktā tu vaidehī nirbhayā śokakarśitā |
tṛṇam antarataḥ kṛtvā rāvaṇaṃ pratyabhāṣata ||
அவ்வாறு கூறப்பட்டபோது, துயரால் மெலிந்த வைதேஹி அஞ்சாது, தன்னுக்கும் ராவணனுக்கும் இடையில் ஒரு புல்லை வைத்து, பதிலுரைத்தாள்.
Thus addressed by Ravana, Sita, immersed in deep sorrow and unafraid of him, placed a blade of grass between her and him (intending not to speak to him straight) and replied:
FAQs
Maintaining moral boundaries under threat is dharma. The blade of grass symbolizes refusal, distance, and unwavering fidelity to what is right.
In Laṅkā/palace setting after abduction, Sītā responds to Rāvaṇa’s words, marking a clear boundary before speaking.
Fearless chastity and moral clarity (steadfastness to Rāma and to truth), expressed through symbolic action and composed speech.