Shloka 2
राक्षसी-भर्त्सना
The Demonesses’ Coercive Counsel to Sītā
निष्क्रान्ते राक्षसेन्द्रे तु पुनरन्तःपुरं गते।राक्षस्यो भीमरूपास्ताः सीतां समभिदुद्रुवुः।।।।
niṣkrānte rākṣasendre tu punar antaḥpuraṃ gate | rākṣasyo bhīmarūpās tāḥ sītāṃ samabhidudruvuḥ ||
Nang ang panginoon ng mga rākṣasa ay lumisan at muling pumasok sa loob ng palasyo, ang mga rākṣasī na yaon, kakila-kilabot ang anyo, ay dumagsa kay Sītā at pinaligiran siya.
'Ravana is prepared to abandon a thousand wives in his prosperous harem decorated with all kinds of gems in order to accept you.'
FAQs
The verse frames adharma through intimidation: when power withdraws (Rāvaṇa leaving), coercive agents (demonesses) immediately press the vulnerable. It highlights how unrighteous rule relies on fear rather than consent or justice.
After Rāvaṇa departs for the inner palace, the demonesses surround Sītā, preparing to threaten and pressure her.
Sītā’s steadfastness is implicitly foregrounded: despite being surrounded, she remains the moral center whose fidelity and truth are tested.