Shloka 3.55.35

रावणस्य सीताप्रलोभनम् (Ravana’s Attempt to Allure Sita)

Devanagari script

एतौ पादौ मया स्निग्धौ शिरोभिः परिपीडितौ।।3.55.35।।प्रसादं कुरु मे क्षिप्रं वश्यो दासोऽहमस्मिते।

Transliteration

etau pādau mayā snigdhau śirobhiḥ paripīḍitau | prasādaṃ kuru me kṣipraṃ vaśyo dāso 'ham asmi te || 3.55.35 ||

Translation

“These shining feet of yours I press with my heads in reverence. Show me favor quickly; I am your servant, obedient and under your control, O smiling one.”

Context

I am bowing down, pressing my heads at your shining feet. I am at your mercy. Grant me your favourI will remain your slave and remain ever under your control.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa (Daśagrīva implied by heads)
• Sītā

FAQs

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

It warns that gestures of humility can be performative; dharma is measured by right action, not theatrical submission—especially when paired with continued coercion.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa intensifies persuasion by adopting a posture of supplication, claiming he will be Sītā’s obedient servant.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s discernment is foregrounded implicitly: she is not to be deceived by outward reverence when the underlying intent remains unrighteous.