Shloka 5.20.22

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

saprabhāṇy avasajyantāṃ tavāṅge bhūṣaṇāni ca | sādhu paśyāmi te rūpaṃ saṃyuktaṃ pratikarmaṇā || 5.20.22 ||

Translation

Let radiant ornaments be set upon your limbs; I long to behold your beauty, perfectly arrayed with adornment.

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?

The verse demonstrates adharma through objectification: a person is treated as an object of display rather than as a moral agent deserving autonomy and respect.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa instructs Sītā to wear ornaments and present herself attractively, continuing his coercive persuasion.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s inner steadfastness is emphasized implicitly—her worth is not dependent on ornamentation, and she resists being reduced to an object.