Shloka 3.49.11
सीताहरणम् — Ravana reveals his true form and abducts Sita
त्रिषु लोकेषु विख्यातं यदि भर्तारमिच्छसि।।3.49.11।।मामाश्रय वरारोहे तवाहं सदृशः पतिः।
triṣu lokeṣu vikhyātaṃ yadi bhartāram icchasi | mām āśraya varārohe tavāhaṃ sadṛśaḥ patiḥ ||
“If you desire a husband renowned across the three worlds, O fair-hipped lady, take refuge in me—for I am a fitting husband for you.”
O beautiful lady ! if you desire a husband who is famous in the three worlds, take refuge in me. I am fit to be your husband.
Marital fidelity and respect for another’s marriage are dharmic boundaries. Rāvaṇa’s proposal violates strī-dharma and gṛhastha-dharma by urging Sītā to abandon her lawful husband.
Rāvaṇa attempts persuasion by appealing to fame and status, offering himself as an alternative husband to Sītā.
By contrast, Sītā’s steadfast loyalty (pativratā-bhāva) is the virtue at stake, which she will uphold despite pressure.