Shloka 5.20.12

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

Devanagari script

इदं ते चारु सञ्जातं यौवनं व्यतिवर्तते।यदतीतं पुनर्नैति स्रोतः शीघ्रमपामिव।।5.20.12।।

Transliteration

idaṃ te cāru sañjātaṃ yauvanaṃ vyativartate |

yad atītaṃ punar naiti srotaḥ śīghram apām iva || 5.20.12 ||

Translation

This lovely youth that has arisen in you is passing away; what has gone does not return again—like the swift current of water.

Context

"Your charming youth should not pass away (uselessly). A past event does not come back like a current of stream.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā

FAQs

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

The verse uses impermanence as a tool of persuasion, but dharma teaches that right action is not decided by fleeting youth or fear of loss. Ethical choice must be grounded in righteousness and truth, not urgency and desire.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa argues that Sītā should accept him quickly, claiming youth is transient and once gone cannot be regained.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s constancy (steadfast adherence to marital dharma) stands against time-based pressure and manipulation.