English Commentaries


Ravana approaches Sita in the form of a brahmin 3.46.2-33

Some phrases like ‘he encircled Sita, ‘he approached Sita’, ‘the strong demon came near Vaidehi’ etc. are used here repeatedly to indicate Ravana’s guilty conscience. The adjectives sikhi (tufted) etc., suggest that Ravana came in the guise of the Tridandi sanyasin.

Ravana asked Sita, “Who are you?” This question is only to initiate conversation with the lady. It was not to know because Ravana already knew.

It is stated in the sastras that when a guest comes, the host should extend hospitality by way of offering a seat, water to wash hands etc. and then the host should say ‘food is ready’. So Sita did all these things. Ravana who was carrying a vessel made of a dry gourd and wearing a red-coloured cloth had resolved to commit an unjust act. He who was impossible to be hated, being a guest was invited for food as Sita thought that he would a brahmin.

Conversation between Sita and Ravana 3.47-1-50

It is stated in the Skandapurana that those that hear the conversation of Sita and Ravana will have no pain resulting from sins. Ravana says, ‘You will be my bharya’ (bharya is one who is revered on account of brightness). Thus said Ravana, who was a devotee of the atitamasa type.
Sita replies ‘You see many golden trees’. Seeing golden trees is a sign of dying persons.