Shloka 5
सीताभर्त्सना
The Ogresses’ Threats to Sita and Her Vow of Fidelity
मानुषी मानुषं तं तु राममिच्छसि शोभने।राज्याद्भ्र्रष्टमसिद्धार्थं विक्लबं त्वमनिन्दिते।।5.24.5।।
mānuṣī mānuṣaṃ taṃ tu rāmam icchasi śobhane | rājyād bhraṣṭam asiddhārthaṃ viklabaṃ tvam anindite ||5.24.5||
அழகியவளே, குற்றமற்றவளே! நீ மனிதப் பெண்ணாக இருந்தும் அந்த மனிதன் ராமனை விரும்புகிறாய்—அவன் அரசிலிருந்து நீக்கப்பட்டவன், நோக்கத்தில் வெற்றியில்லாதவன், மனம் தளர்ந்தவன்.
'I have developed a morbid desire to feast upon this woman with eyes flashing like doe's, whose breasts heave with stress and fear after she was abducted by Ravana.
FAQs
The verse highlights an adharma-driven attempt to break marital fidelity and righteousness by belittling Rāma; Dharma here is implied through Sītā’s steadfast commitment to truth and loyalty despite psychological pressure.
In Aśoka-vana, the guarding rākṣasīs try to persuade and intimidate Sītā, attacking her devotion to Rāma by portraying him as powerless and disgraced.
Sītā’s śīla (moral integrity) and satya-niṣṭhā (steadfastness to truth) are emphasized indirectly, as the speech is designed to shake her resolve but sets the stage for her unwavering Dharma.