--- title: "Sundara Kanda, Sarga 24" canonical: "https://ramayana.com/valmiki-ramayana/sundara-kanda/sarga-24" lang: "en" --- # Sundara Kanda, Sarga 24 > ततः सीतां समस्तास्ता राक्षस्यो विकृताननाः। > परुषं परुषानर्हामूचुस्तद्वाक्यमप्रियम्॥ १॥ Thereupon all those ogresses of loathsome appearance addressed the following harsh and unpalatable words to Sītā, who did not merit such harsh words : (1) > किं त्वमन्तःपुरे सीते सर्वभूतमनोरमे। > महार्हशयनोपेते न वासमनुमन्यसे॥ २॥ “Why don’t you consent to dwell, O Sītā, in the gynaeceum of Rāvaṇa, ravishing the soul of all created beings and furnished with costly couches? (2) > मानुषी मानुषस्यैव भार्यात्वं बहु मन्यसे। > प्रत्याहर मनो रामान्नैवं जातु भविष्यति॥ ३॥ “A human being that you are, you prize the wifehood of a human being alone. Pray, withdraw your mind from Rāma; for, if you continue to love Rāma, you will never survive. (3) > त्रैलोक्यवसुभोक्तारं रावणं राक्षसेश्वरम्। > भर्तारमुपसंगम्य विहरस्व यथासुखम्॥ ४॥ “Approaching for union as a husband, Rāvaṇa, the lord of ogres, who enjoys the riches of all the three worlds, sport happily with him. (4) > मानुषी मानुषं तं तु राममिच्छसि शोभने। > राज्याद् भ्रष्टमसिद्धार्थं विक्लवन्तमनिन्दिते॥ ५॥ “Merely because you are a human being, O good lady of irreproachable charm, you pant for Rāma, who has been deprived of his kingdom, whose object has not been accomplished and as such who remains ever agitated in mind !” (5) > राक्षसीनां वचः श्रुत्वा सीता पद्मनिभेक्षणा। > नेत्राभ्यामश्रुपूर्णाभ्यामिदं वचनमब्रवीत्॥ ६॥ Hearing the exhortation of the ogresses, Sītā of lotus-like eyes replied as follows with eyes full of tears : (6) > यदिदं लोकविद्विष्टमुदाहरत संगताः। > नैतन्मनसि वाक्यं मे किल्बिषं प्रतितिष्ठति॥ ७॥ “This cheap and sinful advice, which you have jointly tendered and which is repugnant in the eyes of the world, does not hold in my mind even for a moment. (7) > न मानुषी राक्षसस्य भार्या भवितुमर्हति। > कामं खादत मां सर्वा न करिष्यामि वो वचः॥ ८॥ “A human lady ought not to become the wife of an ogre. Devour me all if you will; I will never follow your advice. (8) > दीनो वा राज्यहीनो वा यो मे भर्ता स मे गुरुः। > तं नित्यमनुरक्तास्मि यथा सूर्यं सुवर्चला॥ ९॥ “Destitute or deprived of his kingdom, he who is my husband is my adorable deity. I am ever devoted to him even as Suvarcalā (consort of the sun-god) is to the sun-god. (9) > यथा शची महाभागा शक्रं समुपतिष्ठति। > अरुन्धती वसिष्ठं च रोहिणी शशिनं यथा॥ १०॥ > लोपामुद्रा यथागस्त्यं सुकन्या च्यवनं यथा। > सावित्री सत्यवन्तं च कपिलं श्रीमती यथा॥ ११॥ > सौदासं मदयन्तीव केशिनी सगरं यथा। > नैषधं दमयन्तीव भैमी पतिमनुव्रता॥ १२॥ > तथाहमिक्ष्वाकुवरं रामं पतिमनुव्रता। > सीताया वचनं श्रुत्वा राक्षस्यः क्रोधमूर्च्छिताः। > भर्त्सयन्ति स्म परुषैर्वाक्यै रावणचोदिताः॥ १३॥ “I am devoted to my husband, Śrī Rāma, the foremost of the Ikṣwākus, in the same way as the highly blessed Śaci waits upon Indra (the ruler of gods), as does Arundhati upon Sage Vasiṣṭha and Rohiṇī (the foremost of the twenty-seven spouses of the moon-god, presiding over the same number of constellations appearing in the heavens) on the moon-god, as does Lopamudrā upon Sage Agastya and Sukanyā did upon Sage Cyavana, as Sāvitrī did upon Satyavān and Śrīmati upon Lord Kapila, as Madayanti did upon King Saudāsa and Keśinī upon King Sagara, and as Damayantī, daughter of Bhīma, was devoted to her husband, Nala, a king of the Niṣādhas.” Filled with anger on hearing the reply of Sītā, the ogresses began to intimidate her with harsh words, as ordered by Rāvaṇa while he left their presence: (10–13) > अवलीनः स निर्वाक्यो हनुमान् शिंशपाद्रुमे। > सीतां संतर्जयन्तीस्ता राक्षसीरशृणोत् कपिः॥ १४॥ Remaining hidden in the Aśoka tree without uttering a word, Hanumān listened to those ogresses threatening Sītā. (14) > तामभिक्रम्य संरब्धा वेपमानां समन्ततः। > भृशं संलिलिहुर्दीप्तान् प्रलम्बान् दशनच्छदान्॥ १५॥ Assailing on all sides Sītā, who was trembling with fear, enraged as they were, they licked their protruding and glowing lips again and again. (15) > ऊचुश्च परमक्रुद्धाः प्रगृह्याशु परश्वधान्। > नेयमर्हति भर्तारं रावणं राक्षसाधिपम्॥ १६॥ Nay, quickly holding up their axes, highly enraged, as they were, they said, “She does not deserve to have Rāvaṇa, the suzerain lord of ogres, for her husband.” (16) > सा भर्त्स्यमाना भीमाभी राक्षसीभिर्वरांगना। > सा बाष्पमपमार्जन्ती शिंशपां तामुपागमत्॥ १७॥ While that lovely lady was being overawed by the terrible ogresses, she approached that Aśoka tree, wiping away her tears. (17) > ततस्तां शिंशपां सीता राक्षसीभिः समावृता। > अभिगम्य विशालाक्षी तस्थौ शोकपरिप्लुता॥ १८॥ Reaching the foot of that Śiṁśapā tree, the large-eyed Sītā then stood overwhelmed with grief, surrounded as she was by the ogresses. (18) > तां कृशां दीनवदनां मलिनाम्बरवासिनीम्। > भर्त्सयाञ्चक्रिरे भीमा राक्षस्यस्ताः समन्ततः॥ १९॥ Standing around her, the hideous ogresses reproached the emaciated Sītā, who wore a wretched appearance and was clad in a soiled garment. (19) > ततस्तु विनता नाम राक्षसी भीमदर्शना। > अब्रवीत् कुपिताकारा कराला निर्णतोदरी॥ २०॥ Thereupon a fearful and grim-visaged ogress, Vinatā by name, who wore angry looks and had a sunken belly, spoke as follows: (20) > सीते पर्याप्तमेतावद् भर्तुः स्नेहः प्रदर्शितः। > सर्वत्रातिकृतं भद्रे व्यसनायोपकल्पते॥ २१॥ “This much of affection which has been shown by you for your husband is enough, O Sītā ! But anything carried to excess leads to adversity everywhere, O good lady ! (21) > परितुष्टास्मि भद्रं ते मानुषस्ते कृतो विधिः। > ममापि तु वचः पथ्यं ब्रुवन्त्याः कुरु मैथिलि॥ २२॥ “I am highly pleased with you, O princess of Mithilā ! May good betide you ! The rule of conduct enjoined upon human beings has been followed by you. Now please also carry out the advice tendered by me, who speak only that which is wholesome to you. (22) > रावणं भज भर्तारं भर्तारं सर्वरक्षसाम्। > विक्रान्तमापतन्तं च सुरेशमिव वासवम्॥ २३॥ “Take for your husband Rāvaṇa, the protector of all ogres, who is valiant and possessed of a comely exterior like Indra, the ruler of gods. (23) > दक्षिणं त्यागशीलं च सर्वस्य प्रियवादिनम्। > मानुषं कृपणं रामं त्यक्त्वा रावणमाश्रय॥ २४॥ “Leaving the mortal and wretched Rāma, betake yourself to Rāvaṇa, who is clever and munificent and speaks kindly to all. (24) > दिव्यांगरागा वैदेहि दिव्याभरणभूषिता। > अद्यप्रभृति लोकानां सर्वेषामीश्वरी भव॥ २५॥ > अग्नेः स्वाहा यथा देवी शची वेन्द्रस्य शोभने। > किं ते रामेण वैदेहि कृपणेन गतायुषा॥ २६॥ “Using celestial cosmetics and adorned with excellent ornaments, O princess of the Videha territory, become you from this day the sovereign of all the three worlds like Swāhā, the consort of the god of fire, or like Goddess Śaci, the spouse of Indra, O charming lady ! What purpose of yours will be served by the wretched Rāma, whose life has now ebbed, O princess of the Videha territory ! (25-26) > एतदुक्तं च मे वाक्यं यदि त्वं न करिष्यसि। > अस्मिन् मुहूर्ते सर्वास्त्वां भक्षयिष्यामहे वयम्॥ २७॥ “If, on the other hand, you will not act upon this advice tendered by me, we shall all devour you at this very hour.” (27) > अन्या तु विकटा नाम लम्बमानपयोधरा। > अब्रवीत् कुपिता सीतां मुष्टिमुद्यम्य तर्जती॥ २८॥ Then clenching her fist and menacing Sītā, another ogress with hanging breasts, Vikaṭā by name, angrily spoke as follows : (28) > बहून्यप्रतिरूपाणि वचनानि सुदुर्मते। > अनुक्रोशान्मृदुत्वाच्च सोढानि तव मैथिलि॥ २९॥ “Many unseemly remarks of yours, uttered with reference to Rāvaṇa, have been endured by us out of compassion and tenderness, O grossly stupid princess of Mithilā ! (29) > न च नः कुरुषे वाक्यं हितं कालपुरस्कृतम्। > आनीतासि समुद्रस्य पारमन्यैर्दुरासदम्॥ ३०॥ “It is a pity that you do not even then abide by our wholesome and opportune advice. You must remember that you have been transported to the other shore of the sea, which is difficult of access to others. (30) > रावणान्तःपुरे घोरे प्रविष्टा चासि मैथिलि। > रावणस्य गृहे रुद्धा अस्माभिस्त्वभिरक्षिता॥ ३१॥ “Again you have found your way into the dreadful gynaeceum of Rāvaṇa, O princess of Mithilā ! Nay, you have been detained in the abode of Rāvaṇa and are guarded on all sides by us. (31) > न त्वां शक्तः परित्रातुमपि साक्षात् पुरंदरः। > कुरुष्व हितवादिन्या वचनं मम मैथिलि॥ ३२॥ “Not even Indra (the destroyer of strongholds) himself is capable of rescuing you. Therefore, act upon the advice of mine, who am tendering friendly counsel to you, O princess of Mithilā ! (32) > अलमश्रुनिपातेन त्यज शोकमनर्थकम्। > भज प्रीतिं प्रहर्षं च त्यजन्ती नित्यदैन्यताम्॥ ३३॥ “Cease shedding tears. Give up grief, which is of no avail. Shaking off perpetual depression, embrace cheerfulness and experience excessive delight. (33) > सीते राक्षसराजेन परिक्रीड यथासुखम्। > जानीमहे यथा भीरु स्त्रीणां यौवनमध्रुवम्॥ ३४॥ “Sport with Rāvaṇa happily, O Sītā, since we all know the youth of all women to be transitory, O timid lady ! (34) > यावन्न ते व्यतिक्रामेत् तावत् सुखमवाप्नुहि। > उद्यानानि च रम्याणि पर्वतोपवनानि च॥ ३५॥ > सह राक्षसराजेन चर त्वं मदिरेक्षणे। > स्त्रीसहस्राणि ते देवि वशे स्थास्यन्ति सुन्दरि॥ ३६॥ “Enjoy happiness as long as your youth does not pass. Nay, range you the lovely gardens as well as mountains and groves along with Rāvaṇa, the king of ogres, O lady with maddening eyes ! Thousands of women will remain at your beck and call, O charming lady ! (35-36) > रावणं भज भर्तारं भर्तारं सर्वरक्षसाम्। > उत्पाट्य वा ते हृदयं भक्षयिष्यामि मैथिलि॥ ३७॥ > यदि मे व्याहृतं वाक्यं न यथावत् करिष्यसि। > ततश्चण्डोदरी नाम राक्षसी क्रूरदर्शना॥ ३८॥ > भ्रामयन्ती महच्छूलमिदं वचनमब्रवीत्। > इमां हरिणशावाक्षीं त्रासोत्कम्पपयोधराम्॥ ३९॥ > रावणेन हृतां दृष्ट्वा दौर्हृदो मे महानयम्। > यकृत्प्लीहं महत् क्रोडं हृदयं च सबन्धनम्॥ ४०॥ > गात्राण्यपि तथा शीर्षं खादेयमिति मे मतिः। > ततस्तु प्रघसा नाम राक्षसी वाक्यमब्रवीत्॥ ४१॥ “Accept as your consort Rāvaṇa, the lord of all ogres. Tearing out your heart, on the other hand, I shall feast on it, O princess of Mithilā, if you will not duly follow the advice tendered by me.” Brandishing a huge dart, an ogress of ferocious looks, Candodarī by name, then spoke as follows: “At the sight of this woman with eyes resembling those of a fawn and with her breasts shaking through fear, borne away to Laṅkā by Rāvaṇa, this great longing sprang up in my heart that I should feast on her liver and spleen, her swollen breast as well as her heart including its stem (consisting of veins and arteries), nay, all her limbs and head too. Such is my mind even now.” Then an ogress, Praghāśa by name, for her part spoke as follows : (37—41) > कण्ठमस्या नृशंसायाः पीडयामः किमास्यते। > निवेद्यतां ततो राज्ञे मानुषी सा मृतेति ह॥ ४२॥ “We shall presently squeeze the neck of this heartless woman; why do we tarry? Let it then be reported to the king that the ‘human lady in question has breathed her last’, they say. (42) > नात्र कश्चन संदेहः खादतेति स वक्ष्यति। > ततस्त्वजामुखी नाम राक्षसी वाक्यमब्रवीत्॥ ४३॥ “Hearing this news he will say, ‘devour her’; there is no doubt about it.” Thereupon an ogress, Ajāmukhi by name, spoke as follows : (43) > विशस्येमां ततः सर्वान् समान् कुरुत पिण्डकान्। > विभजाम ततः सर्वा विवादो मे न रोचते॥ ४४॥ “Having hacked her, make all pieces equal then. We shall all after that divide them among ourselves. Disputation does not find favour with me. (44) > पेयमानीयतां क्षिप्रं माल्यं च विविधं बहु। > ततः शूर्पणखा नाम राक्षसी वाक्यमब्रवीत्॥ ४५॥ “Let drink also be brought speedily as well as many garlands of various kinds.” Then an ogress, Śūrpaṇakhā by name, spoke as follows : (45) > अजामुख्या यदुक्तं वै तदेव मम रोचते। > सुरा चानीयतां क्षिप्रं सर्वशोकविनाशिनी॥ ४६॥ “That alone which has been suggested by my friend, Ajāmukhī, appeals to me as well. Let wine too, which dispels all grief, be brought soon. (46) > मानुषं मांसमास्वाद्य नृत्यामोऽथ निकुम्भिलाम्। > एवं निर्भर्त्स्यमाना सा सीता सुरसुतोपमा। > राक्षसीभिर्विरूपाभिर्धैर्यमुत्सृज्य रोदिति॥ ४७॥ “Having enjoyed human flesh, we shall then dance in the presence of Goddess Bhadrakālī installed in the western quarter of Laṅkā (known by the name of Nikumbhilā).” Losing her patience while being threatened thus by the monstrous ogresses, the said Sītā, who resembled the daughter of a god, began to cry. (47) Book: https://ramayana.com/valmiki-ramayana --- Source: Gita Press, Gorakhpur editions. Buy the book: https://gitapress.org/product/sri-ramcharitmanas-special-edition Ramayana.com, a free, ad-free project of Ved Vyas Foundation.