Shloka 5.20.2

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

Devanagari script

मां दृष्ट्वा नागनासोरु गूहमाना स्तनोदरम्।अदर्शनमिवात्मानं भयान्नेतुं त्वमिच्छसि।।5.20.2।।

Transliteration

māṃ dṛṣṭvā nāganāsoru gūhamānā stanodaram | adarśanam ivātmānaṃ bhayān netuṃ tvam icchasi || 5.20.2 ||

Translation

Seeing me, O woman with thighs like an elephant’s trunk, you hide your breasts and belly, as though, out of fear, you wished to make yourself unseen to me.

Context

"On seeing me, Sita, you want to conceal your thighs, belly and breasts through fear of me. I think you do not want me to see you.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Sītā

FAQs

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

The verse highlights a breach of dharma: fear and coercion replace consent and respect. In the Ramayana’s ethical frame, forcing attention upon a vulnerable person is adharma.

What is the narrative situation?

In Laṅkā’s Aśoka-vana, Rāvaṇa approaches the captive Sītā and speaks to her in an attempt to dominate and persuade her.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s modesty and self-protective restraint are implied; her fear-driven withdrawal underscores her steadfast refusal to accept wrongdoing.