Shloka 18
रावणस्य तर्जनं सीताया धर्मोक्तिः
Ravana’s Threats and Sita’s Dharma-Centered Reply
इमे ते नयने क्रूरे विरूपे कृष्णपिङ्गले।क्षितौ न पतिते कस्मान्मामनार्य निरीक्षितः।।।।
ime te nayane krūre virūpe kṛṣṇapiṅgale |kṣitau na patite kasmān mām anārya nirīkṣitaḥ ||
اے کمینے! تیرے یہ سنگ دل، بدصورت، سیاہی مائل بھورے نین جب تو مجھے یوں دیکھتا ہے تو زمین پر گر کیوں نہیں پڑتے؟
"O ignoble wretch! I wonder why your dark brown, distorted eyes do not fall off (the socket) when you look at me (lustfully).
FAQs
Dharma protects dignity and condemns predatory desire; Sītā treats lustful looking as a moral violation, not a trivial act.
In the confrontation, Sītā rebukes Rāvaṇa’s gaze and intent, expressing moral disgust and outrage.
Self-respect and purity (śīla): Sītā’s chastity is paired with uncompromising denunciation of harassment.