Shloka 5.20.23

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

Devanagari script

प्रतिकर्माभिसंयुक्ता दाक्षिण्येन वरानने।भुंक्ष्व भोगान्यथाकामं पिब भीरु रमस्व च।।5.20.23।।

Transliteration

pratikarmābhisaṃyuktā dākṣiṇyena varānane | bhuṅkṣva bhogān yathākāmaṃ piba bhīru ramasva ca || 5.20.23 ||

Translation

O fair-faced one, richly adorned and gracious, enjoy pleasures as you desire—eat, drink, and take your delight, O timid lady.

Context

"O charming lady! decorate yourself liberally. Enjoy these pleasures as you please.Drink and make merry.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Sītā

FAQs

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

Temptation through luxury is shown as ethically hollow when it seeks to override truth and marital fidelity. Dharma values integrity over indulgence gained by wrongdoing.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa attempts to entice Sītā with comfort and sensual enjoyment to make her abandon Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s renunciation and fidelity: she refuses pleasure that is rooted in adharma and betrayal.