Shloka 3.46.24

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

Devanagari script

सा प्रतिक्राम भद्रं ते नैवं वस्तुमिहार्हसि।राक्षसानामयं वासो घोराणां कामरूपिणाम्।।।।

Transliteration

sā pratikrāma bhadraṃ te naivaṃ vastum ihārhasi | rākṣasānām ayaṃ vāso ghorāṇāṃ kāmarūpiṇām ||

Translation

O auspicious lady, turn back—you should not remain here. This is the dwelling of dreadful Rākṣasas, who can assume forms at will.

Context

It is not safe for a lady like you to reside here. Move out at once. This is only fit for the dwelling of horrible demons who can change their form at will.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Sītā (implied addressee)
• Rākṣasas

FAQs

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

The verse shows manipulative counsel: warning about danger while concealing that the speaker himself is that danger—an inversion of satya and protective duty.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa urges Sītā to leave the forest, setting up his attempt to separate her from protection and make her vulnerable.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Truthfulness and non-harm (ahiṃsā) are emphasized negatively—Rāvaṇa’s speech mimics concern while serving harm.