Shloka 3.55.23

रावणस्य सीताप्रलोभनम् (Ravana’s Attempt to Allure Sita)

Devanagari script

दर्शने माकृथा बुद्धिं राघवस्य वरानने।कास्य शक्तिरिहागन्तुमपि सीते मनोरथैः।।3.55.23।।

Transliteration

darśane mā kṛthā buddhiṃ rāghavasya varānane |

kāsya śaktir ihāgantum api sīte manorathaiḥ ||3.55.23||

Translation

Do not set even your mind, O fair-faced Sītā, on seeing Rāghava again. What power has he to reach this place—even in imagination?

Context

O lovely Sita, give up the thought of seeing Rama. Where does he possess the power to reach this place even on the mental plane ?

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Sītā
• Rāghava (Rāma)

FAQs

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

Dharma resists coercion and despair. The verse depicts an unethical attempt to sever hope and loyalty through intimidation and false impossibility.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa tries to make Sītā abandon hope of reunion with Rāma by claiming Rāma cannot reach her at all.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s fortitude (dhairya) and unwavering trust in righteousness are the virtues being tested.