Shloka 3.55.10

रावणस्य सीताप्रलोभनम् (Ravana’s Attempt to Allure Sita)

Devanagari script

सोपानं काञ्चनं चित्रमारुरोह तया सह।।3.55.9।।दान्तका राजताश्चैव गवाक्षाः प्रियदर्शनाः।हेमजालावताश्चासन्स्तत्र प्रासादपङ्क्तयः।।3.55.10।।

Transliteration

dāntakā rājatāś caiva gavākṣāḥ priyadarśanāḥ |

hemajālāvatāś cāsan tatra prāsādapaṅktayaḥ ||3.55.10||

Translation

There were rows of palatial buildings, lovely to behold, with windows fashioned of ivory and silver, and screened with lattices of gold.

Context

He ascended the wonderful golden staircase taking Sita along with him.Beautiful looked the rows of mansions with silver and ivory windows and golden trellis.

Characters & Entities

• Laṅkā (implied setting)
• Rāvaṇa (implied across the passage)
• Sītā (implied across the passage)

FAQs

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

The verse presents outward luxury as morally neutral in itself, but in context it becomes an instrument of temptation; Dharma warns against being swayed by sensory allure when it serves Adharma.

What is the narrative situation?

In Laṅkā, Sītā is being led through Rāvaṇa’s splendid residences; the narrator highlights the palace’s opulence as part of the larger attempt to entice her.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s steadfastness is implied by contrast: despite being surrounded by dazzling wealth, she remains oriented to fidelity and righteousness.