Shloka 3.48.17

रावणस्यात्मप्रशंसा लङ्कावर्णनं च — Ravana’s Self-Praise and the Description of Lanka

Devanagari script

सर्वराक्षसभर्तारं कामात्स्वयमिहागतम्।न मन्मथशराविष्टं प्रत्याख्यातुं त्वमर्हसि।।।।

Transliteration

sarvarākṣasabhartāraṃ kāmāt svayam ihāgatam | na manmathaśarāviṣṭaṃ pratyākhyātuṃ tvam arhasi ||

Translation

You should not reject me—the lord of all rākṣasas—who have come here of my own accord, driven by desire and pierced by Kāma’s arrows.

Context

I am lord of all the demons. You should not reject me I am here (only because I am) overcome by the arrows of the god of love.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• rākṣasas
• Manmatha/Kāma

FAQs

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

Dharma condemns coercive entitlement in relationships; desire is not a moral license. Satya and maryādā require respect for consent and rightful bonds.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa identifies himself as supreme among rākṣasas and argues that Sītā should not refuse him because he is love-struck.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s integrity and refusal to compromise dharma—even under intimidation by status and power.