Shloka 5.20.35

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

Devanagari script

पिब विहर रमस्व भुङ्क्ष्व भोगान् धननिचयं प्रदिशामि मेदिनीं च।मयि लल ललने यथासुखं त्वं त्वयि च समेत्य ललन्तु बान्धवास्ते।।5.20.35।।

Transliteration

na rāmas tapasā devi na balena na vikramaiḥ || 5.20.34 || na dhanena mayā tulyas tejasā yaśasāpi vā |

Translation

O queen, Rāma is not my equal—neither in austerity (tapas), nor in strength, nor in valor; not in wealth, nor in splendor, nor even in fame.

Context

"O delightful one! I will bestow you with heaps of riches and land. Therefore, enjoy with me- drinking, sporting, and revelling. Accept me and be happy to sport with me.Let your elatives join you and enjoy all my wealth.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Sītā
• Rāma

FAQs

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

Satya and humility are dharmic; Rāvaṇa’s boastful self-exaltation exemplifies ahaṅkāra, which blinds one to truth and accelerates moral downfall.

What is the narrative situation?

Failing to win Sītā through gifts and praise, Rāvaṇa tries to diminish Rāma and elevate himself as the worthier choice.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s true excellence is indirectly emphasized: dharmic greatness is not mere power or wealth, but righteousness and fidelity—qualities Rāvaṇa ignores.