Shloka 5.20.4

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

Devanagari script

नेह केचिन्मनुष्या वा राक्षसाः कामरूपिणः।व्यपसर्पतु ते सीते भयं मत्तः समुत्थितम्।।5.20.4।।

Transliteration

kusumitatarujālasantatāni bhramarayutāni samudratīrajāni | kanakavimalahārabhūṣitāṅgī vihara mayā saha bhīru kānanāni || 5.20.36 ||

Translation

In the forest groves by the seashore—where stretches of blossoming trees are filled with bees—adorned with a pure golden garland, roam with me, O timid lady.

Context

"O Sita! no human or demon. who can take any form at their will can relieve your fear born of me.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Sītā
• samudra (sea)

FAQs

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

Dharma teaches that beauty and pleasure cannot cleanse wrongdoing; enticing imagery is used to mask coercion, but satya and righteousness remain the measure of what is acceptable.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa concludes his persuasive sequence with a vivid invitation to sensual enjoyment in idyllic seaside groves.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s unwavering chastity and commitment to truth: she does not let sensory allure distract her from dharma.