Shloka 5.20.25

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

Devanagari script

मत्प्रसादाल्ललन्त्याश्च ललन्तां बान्धवास्तव।ऋद्धिं ममानुपश्य त्वं श्रियं भद्रे यशश्च मे।।5.20.25।।

Transliteration

matprasādāl lalantyāś ca lalantāṃ bāndhavās tava | ṛddhiṃ mamānupaśya tvaṃ śriyaṃ bhadre yaśaś ca me || 5.20.25 ||

Translation

By my favor, as you live in enjoyment, let your kinsmen also rejoice; behold my prosperity, O gentle lady—my splendor and my fame.

Context

"O blessed lady, see my affluence and my fame. Seeing you enjoy (life) by my grace all your kinsmen will follow.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Sītā
• bāndhava (kinsmen/relatives)

FAQs

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

Dharma rejects the idea that moral wrong can be legitimized by prosperity or social benefit. Fame and wealth are not proofs of righteousness.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa argues that accepting him will bring enjoyment and advantage even to Sītā’s relatives, using inducement and prestige.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s commitment to satya: she measures worth by righteousness, not by outward success.