Shloka 3.52.16
सीताहरण-विलापः / The Lament at Jatāyu and the Abduction of Sītā
तस्याः परमकल्याण्यास्ताम्राणि सुरभीणि च।पद्मपत्राणि वैदेह्या अभ्यकीर्यन्त रावणम्।।।।
tasyāḥ paramakalyāṇyās tāmrāṇi surabhīṇi ca |
padmapatrāṇi vaidehyā abhyakīryanta rāvaṇam ||
From Vaidehī, the most auspicious lady, copper-red and fragrant lotus petals scattered down upon Rāvaṇa.
The red lotus petals worn by the most auspicious Sita, princess of Videha, were showered on Ravana.
The imagery suggests that purity (symbolized by lotus) remains Sītā’s own, even if it incidentally touches the wrongdoer; dharma is intrinsic and cannot be stolen by force.
As Sītā is carried away, lotus petals associated with her person/garland scatter and fall upon Rāvaṇa.
Sītā’s auspiciousness and sanctity, conveyed through lotus symbolism.