Shloka 5.20.1

रावणस्य सीताप्रलोभनम् (Ravana’s Persuasion and Coercive Courtship of Sita)

Devanagari script

स तां परिवृतां दीनां निरानन्दां तपस्विनीम्।साकारैर्मधुरैर्वाक्यैर्न्यदर्शयत रावणः।।5.20.1।।

Transliteration

sa tāṃ parivṛtāṃ dīnāṃ nirānandāṃ tapasvinīm | sākārair madhurair vākyair nyadarśayata rāvaṇaḥ ||

Translation

Rāvaṇa addressed her—Sītā, like an ascetic—surrounded by guards, downcast and joyless; and with sweet, artful words he sought to press his intent upon her.

Context

Ravana expressed his intention in sweet words to the depressed and grief-stricken ascetic Sita surrounded by demon guards:

Characters & Entities

• Ravana
• Sita
• Demon guards (implicit by 'surrounded')

FAQs

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

The verse warns that unrighteous intent may wear the mask of sweetness: adharma often approaches through persuasive speech. Dharma requires discernment—judging by truth and conduct, not flattering words.

What is the narrative situation?

In captivity, Sita sits grief-stricken among guards; Ravana comes and begins speaking to her with calculated sweetness.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sita’s steadfastness is set up by contrast: though distressed and isolated, she remains a tapasvinī—self-disciplined and anchored in satya—against Ravana’s manipulative speech.