Shloka 3.46.26

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

Devanagari script

वरं माल्यं वरं भोज्यं वरं वस्त्रं च शोभने।भर्तारं च वरं मन्ये त्वद्युक्तमसितेक्षणे।।।।

Transliteration

varaṃ mālyaṃ varaṃ bhोजyaṃ varaṃ vastraṃ ca śobhane | bhartāraṃ ca varaṃ manye tvad-yuktam asitekṣaṇe ||

Translation

O beautiful dark-eyed lady—garlands of the finest kind, the best foods, and the fairest garments befit you; and I deem that a worthy husband, fit for you, is also due to you.

Context

O beautiful, black-eyed lady, I think you deserve the best of garlands, best of food,and clothes and a suitable husband.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Sītā (implied addressee)

FAQs

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

It indirectly foregrounds marital dharma: offering “a suitable husband” to a married woman is an ethical violation; dharma upholds fidelity, consent, and respect for established bonds.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa escalates from praise to proposal-like persuasion, presenting luxury and a ‘better’ spouse as inducements.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Patnīvrata/faithfulness is emphasized—Sītā’s unwavering loyalty to Rāma stands as the narrative’s moral center against such temptation.