Shloka 5.20.17
रावणस्य सीताप्रलोभनम् (Ravana’s Persuasion and Coercive Courtship of Sita)
लोकेभ्यो यानि रत्नानि सम्प्रमथ्याहृतानि वै।।5.20.17।।तानि मे भीरु सर्वाणि राज्यं चैतदहं च ते।
lokebhyo yāni ratnāni sampramathyāhṛtāni vai || 5.20.17 ||
tāni me bhīru sarvāṇi rājyaṃ caitad ahaṃ ca te |
O timid one, all the jewels wrested by force from the worlds—those all, this kingdom, and even I myself—are yours.
"O timid lady, gems brought forcibly from all the worlds, this kingdom as well as myself are yours.
The verse contrasts dharma with theft and violence: wealth seized by force is ethically tainted. Dharma teaches that ends do not justify means, and that offering ill-gotten riches cannot legitimize an unrighteous relationship.
Rāvaṇa attempts to entice Sītā by offering vast wealth, sovereignty, and even himself as possessions to be claimed.
Sītā’s integrity—she rejects benefits rooted in violence and adharma, holding to truth and rightful belonging with Rāma.