Shloka 5.20.11

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

Devanagari script

स्त्रीरत्नमसि मैवं भूः कुरु गात्रेषु भूषणम्।मां प्राप्य हि कथं नु स्वास्त्वमनर्हा सुविग्रहे।।5.20.11।।

Transliteration

strīratnam asi maivaṃ bhūḥ kuru gātreṣu bhūṣaṇam |

māṃ prāpya hi kathaṃ nu svāstvaṃ anarhā suvigrahe || 5.20.11 ||

Translation

You are a jewel among women—do not remain thus; adorn your limbs with ornaments. O fair-bodied one, having obtained me, how could you ever be unworthy of prosperity and well-being?

Context

"You are a, a jewel among women. You should not remain like this. You should adorn yourself properly. How can you remain deprived after having me?

Characters & Entities

• Sītā

FAQs

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

Dharma here is highlighted by contrast: treating a person as an object to be decorated and possessed violates respect and rightful conduct. The Ramayana positions true dharma as honoring agency and marital fidelity, not domination.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa continues his attempt to persuade Sītā, praising her beauty and urging her to accept ornamentation and comfort as his consort.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s dignity and self-restraint are underscored indirectly—she does not accept prosperity gained through unrighteous means.