Shloka 3.55.13

रावणस्य सीताप्रलोभनम् (Ravana’s Attempt to Allure Sita)

Devanagari script

दर्शयित्वा तु वैदेह्याः कृत्स्नं तद्भवनोत्तमम्।उवाच वाक्यं पापात्मा सीतां लोभितुमिच्छया।।3.55.13।।

Transliteration

darśayitvā tu vaidehyāḥ kṛtsnaṃ tad bhavanottamam |

uvāca vākyaṃ pāpātmā sītāṃ lobhitum icchayā ||3.55.13||

Translation

Having shown Vaidehī the entire, most splendid mansion, that sinful one spoke to Sītā, wishing to entice her.

Context

The sinful Ravana showed Sita, princess of Videha, the best of all his mansions in order to allure her, saying:

Characters & Entities

• Vaidehī (Sītā)
• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

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

Dharma condemns manipulation rooted in greed and desire; persuasion aimed at breaking marital fidelity is presented as pāpa (sinful conduct).

What is the narrative situation?

Having completed the tour of his splendour, Rāvaṇa begins his direct verbal attempt to win Sītā over.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The verse frames Rāvaṇa’s intent as unethical, thereby highlighting Sītā’s expected adherence to satya and pativratā-dharma (marital fidelity).