Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 31, Shloka 42
मायाशिरोप्रदर्शनम्
The Display of the Illusory Head of Rāma
अग्रतःकुरुसीतायाश्शीघ्रंदाशरधेशशिरः ।अवस्थांपश्चिमांभर्तुःकृपणासाधुपश्यतु ।।।।
agrataḥ kuru sītāyāḥ śīghraṃ dāśaratheśa śiraḥ |
avasthāṃ paścimāṃ bhartuḥ kṛpaṇā sādhu paśyatu ||
"Ilagay mo agad ang ulo ng anak ni Dasharatha sa harapan ni Sita. Hayaan mong makita ng kaawa-awang babaeng iyon ang huling kalagayan ng kanyang asawa."
At once place the head of Dasaratha's son before that piteous woman. Let her see the ultimate status attained by her husband at the end (said Ravana).
FAQs
It condemns coercion and deception as adharma; the Ramayana’s dharmic ideal upholds satya and compassion, not psychological torture of the innocent.
Rāvaṇa orders that the supposed severed head of Rāma be displayed to Sītā to break her spirit.
Sītā’s steadfastness is the implied counterpoint: unwavering commitment to truth and righteousness despite intimidation.