Shloka 3.55.15

रावणस्य सीताप्रलोभनम् (Ravana’s Attempt to Allure Sita)

Devanagari script

सहस्रमेकमेकस्य मम कार्यपुरस्सरम्।।3.55.15।।यदिदं राजतन्त्रं मे त्वयि सर्वं प्रतिष्ठितम्।जीवितं च विशालाक्षि त्वं मे प्राणैर्गरीयसी।।3.55.16।।

Transliteration

sahasram ekam ekasya mama kāryapurassaram ||3.55.15||

yad idaṃ rājatantraṃ me tvayi sarvaṃ pratiṣṭhitam |

jīvitaṃ ca viśālākṣi tvaṃ me prāṇair garīyasī ||3.55.16||

Translation

“For me alone there are a thousand attendants standing ready to carry out my commands. And the whole governance of my kingdom rests upon you; O large-eyed one, you are dearer to me than my very life-breath.”

Context

For me alone there are a thousand attendants.The administration of the kingdom and all my subjects will be under your control. O large-eyed Sita! you are dearer to me than my life.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Sītā

FAQs

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

Dharma distinguishes genuine devotion from possessive desire: flattering claims of ‘you are my life’ become unethical when used to legitimize abduction and force.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa shifts from boasting power to offering status, service, and centrality in governance—attempting to make acceptance seem advantageous.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s discernment is implied: she recognizes that adharma cannot be made dharmic by gifts, rank, or praise.