Shloka 3.52.30
सीताहरण-विलापः / The Lament at Jatāyu and the Abduction of Sītā
तरुप्रवालरक्ता सा नीलाङ्गं राक्षसेश्वरम्।प्राशोभयत वैदेही गजं कक्ष्येव काञ्चनी।।।।
taru-pravāla-raktā sā nīlāṅgaṃ rākṣaseśvaram |
prāśobhayata vaidehī gajaṃ kakṣyeva kāñcanī ||
Vaidehī, ruddy like tender shoots, made the dark-bodied lord of rākṣasas appear adorned—like a golden tethering-chain placed upon an elephant.
With her golden girdle, Sita whose complexion resembled tender leaves looked like a golden chain to bind an elephant with. (Here Ravana is the elephant).
The verse contrasts outer splendor with inner unrighteousness: adornment can mask adharma, but does not sanctify it—an ethical warning against confusing beauty or power with virtue.
While Rāvaṇa carries Sītā, the poet describes the visual contrast between Sītā’s radiance and Rāvaṇa’s dark form through a striking simile.
Sītā’s innate dignity and radiance (tejas) remain intact even in violation, underscoring moral purity amid coercion.