Shloka 3.55.31

रावणस्य सीताप्रलोभनम् (Ravana’s Attempt to Allure Sita)

Devanagari script

वदनं पद्मसङ्काशममलं चारुदर्शनम्।शोकार्तंतु वरारोहे न भ्राजति वरानने।।3.55.31।।

Transliteration

vadanaṃ padma-saṅkāśam amalaṃ cāru-darśanam | śokārtaṃ tu varārohe na bhrājati varānane || 3.55.31 ||

Translation

O noble lady of lovely form—your face, lotus-like, pure and pleasing to behold, does not shine now, stricken by grief.

Context

O heavy-hipped lady! your face which is a clean lotus pleasing to the eye has lost its shine, stricken with grief.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Sītā

FAQs

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

The verse shows how flattering speech can mask wrongdoing; dharma evaluates intent and action, not merely sweet words—praise cannot cleanse coercion.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa comments on Sītā’s sorrowful appearance, using admiration as a rhetorical strategy to soften her resistance.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s integrity is highlighted indirectly: her grief arises from loyalty to Rāma and rejection of adharma, even under pressure.