Shloka 24
रावणस्य सीताप्रलोभनम्
Ravana’s Persuasion and Coercive Courtship of Sita
यथेष्टं च प्रयच्छ त्वं पृथिवीं वा धनानि च।ललस्व मयि विस्रब्धा धृष्टमाज्ञापयस्व च।।5.20.24।।
yatheṣṭaṃ ca prayaccha tvaṃ pṛthivīṃ vā dhanāni ca | lalasva mayi visrabdhā dhṛṣṭam ājñāpayasva ca || 5.20.24 ||
Gewähre, wie es dir beliebt, Land oder Reichtümer; sei unbesorgt bei mir und genieße — und befiehl mir auch kühn.
"Give away land and wealth as you wish. Enjoy with me freely and command me boldly. I will obey you by all means.
FAQs
The verse contrasts material power with moral right: dharma cannot be purchased with land or wealth, and authority offered through coercion remains unrighteous.
Rāvaṇa promises Sītā freedom to give gifts and exercise command, trying to lure her with sovereignty and comfort.
Sītā’s incorruptibility—she cannot be bribed away from truth (satya) and marital dharma.