Shloka 5.20.21

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

Devanagari script

इच्छ मां क्रियतामद्य प्रतिकर्म तवोत्तमम्।।5.20.21।।सप्रभाण्यवसज्यन्तां तवाङ्गे भूषणानि च।साधु पश्यामि ते रूपं संयुक्तं प्रतिकर्मणा।।5.20.22।।

Transliteration

iccha māṃ kriyatām adya pratikarma tavottamam || 5.20.21 ||

Translation

Desire me; let your finest adornment be accomplished today.

Context

"Offer your love to me. Get yourself decorated in an excellent way. Wear glowing ornaments on your limbs. Let me see you in pleasingly decorated form.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Sītā

FAQs

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

Dharma is violated when love is demanded rather than freely given. The Ramayana treats compelled affection as unrighteous and destructive.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa shifts from intimidation to seduction, ordering Sītā to prepare herself and accept him.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s chastity and loyalty (pativratā-dharma) stand in opposition to such coercive demands.