Shloka 5.20.34

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

Devanagari script

न रामस्तपसा देवि न बलेन न विक्रमैः।।5.20.34।।न धनेन मया तुल्यस्तेजसा यशसापि वा।

Transliteration

yāni vaiśravaṇe subhru ratnāni ca dhanāni ca || 5.20.33 || tāni lokāṃś ca suśroṇi māṃ ca bhuṅkṣva yathāsukham |

Translation

O fair-browed, full-hipped lady—enjoy, as you please, the gems and riches that came from Vaiśravaṇa, and these worlds as well, and me.

Context

"O queen! Rama is not equal to me either in penance or prowess or valour or wealth or brilliance or even in fame.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Sītā
• Vaiśravaṇa (Kubera)
• lokāḥ (worlds/realms)

FAQs

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

Dharma teaches that artha (wealth) is subordinate to righteousness; material abundance cannot compensate for a relationship founded on coercion and falsehood.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa offers Sītā immense wealth and dominion, attempting to purchase consent and devotion.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s non-attachment to ill-gotten prosperity and her fidelity to Rāma despite hardship.