Shloka 3.46.13

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

Devanagari script

स मन्मथशराविष्टो ब्रह्मघोषमुदीरयन्।।3.46.13।।अब्रवीत्प्रश्रितं वाक्यं रहिते राक्षसाधिपः।

Transliteration

sa manmathaśarāviṣṭo brahmaghoṣam udīrayan | abravīt praśritaṃ vākyaṃ rahite rākṣasādhipaḥ || 3.46.13 ||

Translation

Struck by Manmatha’s arrows of desire and uttering sacred-sounding Vedic chants, the lord of the rākṣasas spoke humbly to her in that secluded place.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Manmatha (Kāma)
• Veda (brahmaghoṣa)

FAQs

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

The verse critiques false religiosity: sacred speech used to further immoral desire is a violation of satya (truthfulness) and dharma (right conduct).

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa, in disguise, begins his approach by speaking politely and invoking Vedic-sounding recitation to appear trustworthy.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Implicitly, integrity: true virtue requires alignment of words, appearance, and intent—something Rāvaṇa lacks here.