Shloka 3.55.26

रावणस्य सीताप्रलोभनम् (Ravana’s Attempt to Allure Sita)

Devanagari script

लङ्कायां सुमहद्राज्यमिदं त्वमनुपालय।त्वत्प्रेष्या मद्विधाश्चैव देवाश्चापि चराचराः।।3.55.26।।

Transliteration

laṅkāyāṃ sumahad rājyam idaṃ tvam anupālaya |

tvat-preṣyā mad-vidhāś caiva devāś cāpi carācarāḥ ||3.55.26||

Translation

Rule here in Laṅkā over this vast kingdom. Those like me—and even the gods, and all beings moving and unmoving—will stand at your command.

Context

Rule this vast kingdom of Lanka. People like me, even gods and all beings, mobile and immobile, will be at your beck and call.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Sītā
• Laṅkā
• Devas
• Carācaras (all beings)

FAQs

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

Dharma teaches that power and sovereignty cannot sanctify an unrighteous union; political temptation is not a substitute for moral legitimacy.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa attempts seduction through promises of queenship and universal obedience in Laṅkā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s incorruptibility—refusal to trade dharma for luxury or authority.