Shloka 3.46.7
रावणस्य परिव्राजकवेषेण सीतासमीपगमनम् (Ravana Approaches Sita Disguised as a Mendicant)
शीघ्रस्रोताश्च तं दृष्ट्वा वीक्षन्तं रक्तलोचनम्।।।।स्तिमितं गन्तुमारेभे भयाद्गोदावरी नदी।
abhavyo bhavyarūpeṇa bhartāram anuśocatīm |
abhyavartata vaidehīṃ citrām iva śanaiścaraḥ ||
The wicked one, assuming a respectable guise, drew near to Vaidehī as she lamented for her husband—like Saturn advancing toward Citrā.
Seeing Ravana with his blood-red eyes, the swift-flowing river Godavari slowed down out of fear.
Dharma values inner truth over outer appearance; the verse warns that respectable dress or speech can conceal adharma, so discernment is necessary.
Sītā is anxious for Rāma, and at that vulnerable moment Rāvaṇa nears her in a holy disguise.
Sītā’s steadfast attachment to her husband is foregrounded (“grieving for her husband”), reflecting fidelity and devotion even under distress.