Shloka 5.20.10

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

Devanagari script

विचित्राणि च माल्यानि चन्दनान्यगरूणि च।विविधानि च वासांसि दिव्यान्याभरणानि च।।5.20.9।।महार्हाणि च पानानि शयनान्यासनानि च।गीतं नृत्तं च वाद्यं च लभ मां प्राप्य मैथिलि।।5.20.10।।

Transliteration

mahārhāṇi ca pānāni śayanāny āsanāni ca |

gītaṃ nṛttaṃ ca vādyaṃ ca labha māṃ prāpya maithili || 5.20.10 ||

Translation

O Maithilī, once you have obtained me, enjoy costly drinks, beds and seats, and also singing, dancing, and music.

Context

"O Mythili having secured me, you get all these comforts wonderful garlands, sandal, incense, garments and beautiful ornaments, rich drinks, beds and seats.You can enjoy songs, dances accompanied by musical instruments.

Characters & Entities

• Maithilī (Sītā)

FAQs

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

The verse illustrates a classic adharma-based persuasion: offering pleasure and luxury to induce wrongdoing. In the Ramayana’s ethical frame, dharma cannot be purchased by comforts; desire-based inducement is contrasted with steadfast righteousness.

What is the narrative situation?

In Laṅkā, Rāvaṇa attempts to win Sītā over by promising sensual enjoyments and royal comforts if she accepts him.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By implication, Sītā’s steadfastness and fidelity are emphasized—her dharmic resolve stands against coercive temptation.