Shloka 3.55.29

रावणस्य सीताप्रलोभनम् (Ravana’s Attempt to Allure Sita)

Devanagari script

पुष्पकं नाम सुश्रोणि भ्रातुर्वैश्रवणस्य मे।।3.55.29।।विमानं सूर्यसङ्काशं तरसा निर्जितं मया।

Transliteration

sa praviśya tu tadveśma rāvaṇo rākṣasādhipaḥ | apaśyad rākṣasī-madhye sītāṃ śoka-parāyaṇām || 3.55.3 ||

Translation

Rāvaṇa, lord of the rākṣasas, entered that residence and saw Sītā—overwhelmed by grief—sitting amid the demonesses.

Context

O fine-hipped lady, I won by my strength from my brother Vaisravana (Kubera) an aerial chariot called Pushpaka shining with the radiance of the Sun.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Sītā
• rākṣasīs (demonesses)

FAQs

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

The verse frames the moral contrast: Sītā’s suffering highlights the adharma of coercion and unlawful captivity, implicitly affirming dharma as protection of the vulnerable and respect for another’s rightful bonds.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa enters his quarters/inner residence area and observes Sītā surrounded by rākṣasī guards, distressed after her abduction.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s steadfastness is implied: despite intimidation and isolation, she remains sorrowful yet unyielding, pointing to fidelity and inner moral strength.