Shloka 3.55.6

रावणस्य सीताप्रलोभनम् (Ravana’s Attempt to Allure Sita)

Devanagari script

अश्रुपूर्णमुखीं दीनां शोकभाराभिपीडिताम्।वायुवेगैरिवाक्रान्तां मज्जन्तीं नावमर्णवे।।3.55.4।।मृगयूथपरिभ्रष्टां मृगीं श्वभिरिवावृताम्।अधोमुखमुखीं सीतामभ्येत्य च निशाचरः।।3.55.5।।तां तु शोकपरां दीनामवशां राक्षसाधिपः।स बलाद्दर्शयामास गृहं देवगृहोपमम्।।3.55.6।।

Transliteration

tāṃ tu śokaparāṃ dīnām avaśāṃ rākṣasādhipaḥ |

sa balād darśayāmāsa gṛhaṃ devagṛhopamam || 3.55.6 ||

Translation

But the lord of the rākṣasas, seeing her helpless, pitiable, and consumed by grief, forcibly made her look upon his dwelling—like a palace of the gods.

Context

The demon Ravana forcibly took Sita, her face full of tears, to show her his heavenlike home. Inflicted with grief she looked wretched. She resembled a female deer hounded out of the herd. With her head bent in grief, she looked pathetic like one not under her control, like a boat sinking under the sea driven by the wind.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

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

The verse underscores that splendor cannot sanctify wrongdoing: coercion (balāt) remains adharma even when wrapped in divine-like luxury.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa compels the grieving Sītā to view his magnificent residence, attempting to intimidate or entice her.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s moral steadfastness is implied by contrast: despite being shown grandeur, she is described primarily through grief and helplessness, not temptation.