Shloka 5.20.30

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

Devanagari script

क्लिष्टकौशेयवसनां तन्वीमप्यनलङ्कृताम्।।5.20.30।।त्वां दृष्ट्वा स्वेषु दारेषु रतिं नोपलभाम्यहम्।

Transliteration

cārusmite cārudati cārunetre vilāsini || 5.20.29 || mano harasi me bhīru suparṇaḥ pannagaṃ yathā |

Translation

O woman of charming smile, lovely teeth, and beautiful eyes—O graceful one! Timid as you are, you steal my mind, as Suparṇa (Garuḍa) snatches up a serpent.

Context

"Even when you are attired in soiled silk and are bereft of ornaments, I find no interest in my own wives.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Sītā
• Suparṇa (Garuḍa)
• pannaga (serpent)

FAQs

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

The verse warns (by negative example) against desire that ignores dharma: flattery and sensual fixation cannot justify violating another’s dignity and marital fidelity.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa continues his attempt to win Sītā through praise and poetic comparison, trying to soften resistance after intimidation.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s self-possession and chastity are emphasized implicitly: despite seductive rhetoric, she does not deviate from truth and righteousness.