Sri Hanuman is very meritorious and the first among the great devotees of the Lord. He took a disguise only when there was a compulsion. So there is no provision to take on a cruel disguise without a strong compulsion. So Ravana also decides that it is wrong to assume a deceptive disguise in the presence of Sita. He takes on his real form boasting about his abilities. The apparent meaning of the slokas starting with(sloka one) sitayah is quite clear. However the real meaning is, “you have not heard of my valour and ability to defeat the foes”.
The word ‘unmatte’ in sloka two has to be taken here to complete the meaning. When Ravana spoke thus, his eyes became intoxicated and their tips had the colour of yellowish red. They shone with the brightness of fire, ie, the eyes looked like fire.
Jaya, a gatekeeper of Visnu, was reborn as Ravana. So he says “Please know me as your servant”. Tyajyatam manuse bhavah etc.(sloka3), give up the feeling that only a human being should be saved. Please extend your grace to this rakshasa who is foolish and arrogant".
Budhah rohinim iva jagraha (sloka 17) means Ravana caught hold of Sita like Budhah who touches his mother Rohini for worship. Ravana took Sita away to his home only to worship her as his favourite deity. Ravana touched Sita’s feet and prayed to her that she should come to Lanka. The real meaning is –Ravana made her climb the chariot by producing fear in her saying “If you use harsh words and do not accept me as your servant, I will die in front of you”.
Inner meaning of Ravana’s reply to Sita 3.49.1-24
Sri Hanuman is very meritorious and the first among the great devotees of the Lord. He took a disguise only when there was a compulsion. So there is no provision to take on a cruel disguise without a strong compulsion. So Ravana also decides that it is wrong to assume a deceptive disguise in the presence of Sita. He takes on his real form boasting about his abilities. The apparent meaning of the slokas starting with(sloka one) sitayah is quite clear. However the real meaning is, “you have not heard of my valour and ability to defeat the foes”.
The word ‘unmatte’ in sloka two has to be taken here to complete the meaning. When Ravana spoke thus, his eyes became intoxicated and their tips had the colour of yellowish red. They shone with the brightness of fire, ie, the eyes looked like fire.
Jaya, a gatekeeper of Visnu, was reborn as Ravana. So he says “Please know me as your servant”. Tyajyatam manuse bhavah etc.(sloka3), give up the feeling that only a human being should be saved. Please extend your grace to this rakshasa who is foolish and arrogant".
Budhah rohinim iva jagraha (sloka 17) means Ravana caught hold of Sita like Budhah who touches his mother Rohini for worship. Ravana took Sita away to his home only to worship her as his favourite deity. Ravana touched Sita’s feet and prayed to her that she should come to Lanka. The real meaning is –Ravana made her climb the chariot by producing fear in her saying “If you use harsh words and do not accept me as your servant, I will die in front of you”.