Shloka 20
रावणस्य सीताप्रलोभनम्
Ravana’s Persuasion and Coercive Courtship of Sita
असकृत्संयुगे भग्ना मया विमृदितध्वजाः।।5.20.20।।अशक्ताः प्रत्यनीकेषु स्थातुं मम सुरासुराः।
asakṛt saṃyuge bhagnā mayā vimṛditadhvajāḥ | aśaktāḥ pratyanīkeṣu sthātuṃ mama surāsurāḥ || 5.20.20 ||
असकृत्संयुगे भग्ना मया विमृदितध्वजाः। अशक्ताः प्रत्यनीकेषु स्थातुं मम सुरासुराः॥
"The gods and demons were unable to withstand my power in wars fought against me. They were often shattered and defeated with their flags crushed in war.
FAQs
The verse illustrates the ethical warning against mada (arrogance). Power used for intimidation and self-glorification is portrayed as adharma, especially when directed at the helpless.
Rāvaṇa tries to overawe Sītā by boasting of his military dominance over even divine and demonic forces.
By contrast, Sītā’s moral firmness is foregrounded: she is not persuaded by displays of power, reflecting integrity and fidelity.