Ramayana — Sundara Kanda, Sarga 42, Shloka 9
द्विचत्वारिंशः सर्गः (Sarga 42): Omens in Laṅkā, Report to Rāvaṇa, and the Kinkara Assault
यूयमेवाभिजानीत योऽयं यद्वा करिष्यति।अहिरेव ह्यहेः पादान्विजानाति न संशयः।।5.42.9।।
yūyam evābhijānīta yo 'yaṃ yadvā kariṣyati | ahir eva hy aheḥ pādān vijānāti na saṃśayaḥ || 5.42.9 ||
“Kayo mismo ang higit na nakakakilala kung sino siya at kung ano ang gagawin niya. Sapagkat ang ahas lamang ang tunay na nakaaalam sa landas at kilos ng kapwa ahas—walang pag-aalinlangan.”
Then, seeing the huge body of the mighty vanara resembling a mountain the ogresses questioned Janaki about him.
FAQs
The verse underscores discernment and truthful limitation: Sītā points out that those who share a nature understand each other best, and she refuses to give speculative or false claims.
Sītā deflects the ogresses’ demand for information, suggesting that they—being of the same kind—are better placed to judge the newcomer’s intent.
Prājñatā (practical wisdom) joined to satya: she uses a sharp metaphor to avoid misinformation while under threat.