Shloka 5.20.3

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

Devanagari script

कामये त्वां विशालाक्षि बहुमन्यस्व मां प्रिये।सर्वाङ्गगुणसम्पन्ने सर्वलोकमनोहरे।।5.20.3।।

Transliteration

neha kecin manuṣyā vā rākṣasāḥ kāmarūpiṇaḥ | vyapasarpatu te sīte bhayaṃ mattaḥ samutthitam || 5.20.4 ||

Translation

O Sītā, here there is no man, nor any shapeshifting rākṣasa, who can remove the fear in you that arises because of me.

Context

"O large-eyed one ! you are endowed with beauty in all limbs. You are the delight of allworlds. I desire you, dear ! Oblige me.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Sītā
• rākṣasa

FAQs

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

Dharma rejects coercion and terror as means of persuasion; Rāvaṇa’s claim asserts dominance through fear, illustrating adharma and the abuse of power.

What is the narrative situation?

After proposing, Rāvaṇa escalates to intimidation, asserting that no one in Laṅkā can protect Sītā from him.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s moral courage is foregrounded by the threat: despite isolation and fear tactics, she remains committed to truth and righteousness.