Shloka 3.55.18

रावणस्य सीताप्रलोभनम् (Ravana’s Attempt to Allure Sita)

Devanagari script

साधु किं तेऽन्यया बुद्ध्या रोचयस्व वचो मम।भजस्वमाभितप्तस्य प्रसादं कर्तुमर्हसि।।3.55.18।।

Transliteration

parikṣiptā samudreṇa laṅkeyaṃ śatayojanā |

neyaṃ dharṣayituṃ śakyā sendrair api surāsuraiḥ ||3.55.19||

Translation

This Laṅkā, a hundred yojanas in extent and encircled by the sea, cannot be assaulted—even by gods and asuras, even with Indra among them.

Context

Do not think otherwise. Be good and accept my request. I am consumed by thoughts of you. You should be gracious to me.

Characters & Entities

• Laṅkā
• Samudra (the sea)
• Indra
• Suras (gods)
• Asuras (demons)
• Rāvaṇa
• Sītā

FAQs

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

Dharma teaches that apparent invincibility does not convert wrongdoing into right; power-based threats remain Adharma and are ultimately unstable before truth (satya).

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa attempts to intimidate Sītā by claiming Laṅkā is unassailable, implying resistance is futile.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s fearlessness rooted in righteousness is the implied virtue: dharmic steadfastness does not depend on worldly odds.