Shloka 5.20.33

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

Devanagari script

यानि वैश्रवणे सुभ्रु रत्नानि च धनानि च।।5.20.33।।तानि लोकांश्च सुश्रोणि मां च भुङ्क्ष्व यथासुखम्।

Transliteration

mama hy asitakeśānte trailokyapravarāḥ striyaḥ || 5.20.32 || tās tvāṃ paricariṣyanti śriyam apsaraso yathā |

Translation

O lady of dark tresses, the finest women in the three worlds are mine; they will attend upon you as apsarases attend upon Śrī (Lakṣmī).

Context

"O Sita of heavy hips and beautiful brows! Be happy. Enjoy all the worlds of mine, the gems and wealth of Ravana.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Sītā
• trailokya (three worlds)
• apsaras
• Śrī (Lakṣmī)

FAQs

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

Dharma cautions against using sacred imagery to justify unethical aims; invoking Lakṣmī to dignify coercive desire is a misuse of religious symbolism.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa continues to lure Sītā with visions of honor, service, and celestial-like luxury.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s discernment (viveka): she distinguishes true auspiciousness grounded in dharma from mere splendor grounded in adharma.