Shloka 3.55.12

रावणस्य सीताप्रलोभनम् (Ravana’s Attempt to Allure Sita)

Devanagari script

दीर्घिकाः पुष्करिण्यश्च नानावृक्षसमन्विताः।रावणो दर्शयामास सीतां शोकपरायणाम्।।3.55.12।।

Transliteration

dīrghikāḥ puṣkariṇyaś ca nānāvṛkṣasamanvitāḥ |

rāvaṇo darśayāmāsa sītāṃ śokaparāyaṇām ||3.55.12||

Translation

Rāvaṇa showed Sītā—plunged in grief—step-wells and lotus-ponds, adorned with many kinds of trees.

Context

Ravana showed Sita who was overwhelmed with sorrow, step-wells surrrounded by various trees and tanks.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Sītā
• Laṅkā (implied)

FAQs

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

Dharma recognizes inner suffering as morally significant; ignoring another’s distress and continuing coercive display reflects a failure of compassion (dayā).

What is the narrative situation?

Even as Sītā remains sorrow-stricken after abduction, Rāvaṇa continues to parade before her the pleasures of Laṅkā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s constancy is emphasized through her unrelieved grief, indicating unwavering loyalty rather than attraction to comfort.