Ramayana — Sundara Kanda, Sarga 42, Shloka 21
द्विचत्वारिंशः सर्गः (Sarga 42): Omens in Laṅkā, Report to Rāvaṇa, and the Kinkara Assault
मनः परिगृहीतां तां तव रक्षोगणेश्वर।कस्सीतामभिभाषेत यो न स्यात्त्यक्तजीवितः।।5.42.21।।
manaḥ parigṛhītāṃ tāṃ tava rakṣogaṇeśvara | kaḥ sītām abhibhāṣeta yo na syāt tyaktajīvitaḥ || 5.42.21 ||
O panginoon ng mga pangkat ng rākṣasa, yamang si Sītā ang minimithi mo sa puso, sino ang mangangahas na kumausap sa kanya kung hindi yaong tumalikod na sa pag-asang mabubuhay?
On listening to the report of the ogresses, Ravana, the lord of demons flared up like blazing flame of a sacrificial fire, his eyeballs rolling in rage.
FAQs
The verse reveals adharma as coercive possession: power is used to silence speech and deny another’s autonomy. In the Ramayana’s dharmic frame, desire does not become entitlement; intimidation is ethically condemned even if socially enforced in Laṅkā.
The rākṣasī guards explain to Rāvaṇa that no one would dare speak to Sītā because she is treated as ‘claimed’ by him—implying lethal consequences for any approach.
By contrast (implicitly), Hanumān’s courage is highlighted—he speaks and acts despite the threat of death.