Shloka 5.20.6

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

Devanagari script

एवं चैतदकामां तु न त्वां स्प्रक्ष्यामि मैथिलि।कामं कामः शरीरे मे यथाकामं प्रवर्तताम्।।5.20.6।।

Transliteration

evaṃ caitad akāmāṃ tu na tvāṃ sprakṣyāmi maithili |

kāmaṃ kāmaḥ śarīre me yathākāmaṃ pravartatām ||5.20.6||

Translation

So be it; yet, O Maithilī, since you are unwilling, I will not touch you. Let desire indeed course through my body as it pleases.

Context

"Mythili ! let passion hold its sway over my body as it will. But I shall not force you or touch you since you do not love me.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Sītā
• Maithilī (Sītā)

FAQs

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

It points to the ethical boundary of consent—touching an unwilling person is adharma—though the speaker’s broader intent remains unrighteous within the narrative.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa continues speaking to captive Sītā, attempting persuasion and claiming he will not physically touch her against her will.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s unwavering refusal (steadfastness in satya and pativratā-dharma) is underscored by her being explicitly described as ‘unwilling’ (akāmā).