Shloka 3.46.12

रावणस्य परिव्राजकवेषेण सीतासमीपगमनम् (Ravana Approaches Sita Disguised as a Mendicant)

Devanagari script

शुभां रुचिरदन्तोष्ठीं पूर्णचन्द्रनिभाननाम्।।3.46.11।।आसीनां पर्णशालायां बाष्पशोकाभिपीडिताम्।स तां पद्मपलाशाक्षीं पीतकौशेयवासिनीम्।।3.46.12।।अभ्यगच्छत वैदेहीं दुष्टचेता निशाचरः।

Transliteration

śubhāṃ ruciradantoṣṭhīṃ pūrṇacandranibhānanām || 3.46.11 || āsīnāṃ parṇaśālāyāṃ bāṣpaśokābhipīḍitām | sa tāṃ padmapalāśākṣīṃ pītakauśeyavāsinīm || 3.46.12 || abhyagacchata vaidehīṃ duṣṭacetā niśācaraḥ |

Translation

The wicked-minded night-roamer drew near to Vaidehī—lotus-eyed, clad in yellow silk—while she sat in the leaf-hut, weighed down by tears and sorrow.

Context

The wicked demon came close to that auspicious princess from Videha sitting in the cottage Her face was like the full moon. Her teeth and lips were lovely. She was clad in yellow silk. Her eyes were like lotus petals tormented by tears of grief.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Sītā
• Vaidehī
• parṇaśālā (leaf-hut)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

It reinforces the moral contrast between purity and predation: Dharma protects the vulnerable; adharma advances by taking advantage of solitude and sorrow.

What is the narrative situation?

A repeated/continued description (as transmitted in the Southern Recension) of Rāvaṇa’s approach to Sītā in the hut.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s auspicious, dignified presence—her moral radiance—stands against the demon’s corrupt intention.