Shloka 3.46.18

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

Devanagari script

विशालं जघनं पीनमूरू करिकरोपमौ।।।।एतावुपचितौ वृत्तौ संहतौ सम्प्रवल्गितौ।पीनोन्नतमुखौ कान्तौ स्निग्धौ तालफलोपमौ।।।।मणिप्रवेकाभरणौ रुचिरौ ते पयोधरौ।

Transliteration

tadāsādya daśagrīvaḥ kṣipram antaram āsthitaḥ | abhicakrāma vaidehīṃ parivrājakarūpadhṛk ||

Translation

Then the ten-necked Rāvaṇa, quickly taking shelter in concealment, assumed the guise of a wandering mendicant and approached Vaidehī (Sītā).

Context

Your big hips are stout and strong, Your smooth thighs are like the trunk of an elephant, your breasts adorned with gems, are round and robust like palm fruits and drooping with heaviness with projected stiff nipples, shining and delightful, adding beauty.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa (Daśagrīva)
• Sītā (Vaidehī)
• parivrājaka (wandering mendicant disguise)

FAQs

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

The verse highlights adharma through deception—Rāvaṇa hides and adopts a false ascetic identity, violating truthfulness (satya) and the protective duty associated with religious appearance.

What is the narrative situation?

In the Daṇḍaka forest episode, Rāvaṇa begins the abduction plot by approaching Sītā while disguised as a mendicant.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By contrast (through its violation), the virtue emphasized is satya (truthfulness) and integrity—especially the sanctity of the ascetic role, which must not be used as a tool for harm.