Shloka 3.49.12

सीताहरणम् — Ravana reveals his true form and abducts Sita

Devanagari script

मां भजस्व चिराय त्वमहं श्लाघ्यः प्रियस्तव।।3.49.12।।नैव चाहं क्वचिद्भद्रे करिष्ये तव विप्रियम्।त्यज्यतां मानुषे भावो मयि भावः प्रणीयताम्।।3.49.13।।

Transliteration

māṃ bhajasva cirāya tvam ahaṃ ślāghyaḥ priyas tava | naiva cāhaṃ kvacid bhadre kariṣye tava vipriyam | tyajyatāṃ mānuṣe bhāvo mayi bhāvaḥ praṇīyatām ||

Translation

“Accept me for the long term; I am worthy of praise and dear to you. Never, auspicious lady, will I cause you any displeasure. Let your attachment to a mere human be abandoned—let your love be turned toward me.”

Context

I am your praiseworthy husband. I will not cause any unpleasantness to you at any time. Abandon on your inclination towards, a (mere) mortal. Divert your love to me.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Sītā
• Rāma (implied by 'mānuṣe bhāvaḥ'—attachment to a human)

FAQs

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

Dharma requires honoring consent, marriage, and truthfulness in intention. Rāvaṇa’s promises are ethically hollow because they aim to legitimize wrongful desire and undermine Sītā’s lawful bond.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa escalates from praise to direct solicitation, promising safety and pleasure while urging Sītā to renounce Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s satya (truthfulness) and niṣṭhā (steadfast commitment) are the virtues challenged by persuasion and threat.