Having ordered the Rakshasas to enter Dandaka and eliminate Rama, Ravana relaxed and felt greatly relieved. All his thoughts now centred on Sita. A prey to his sinful passions, the desire to possess her was driving him insane. He saw her, a poignant figure of despair and despondency as she sat amidst the demon guard. With her head bowed, she seemed like a doe surrounded by snarling dogs, like a floundering boat caught in the fury of a tempest! Insensitive to her grief Ravana took her away by force, to show and impress her with his palaces, his possessions and his wealth. He led her through the enchanting groves dotted with wells, lakes and lotus ponds. Magnificent mansions rivaled with the abodes of the gods and teemed with thousands of women. Flocks of birds lent their myriad hues and song to an ambience that resonated with the sound of celestial gongs. Graceful pillars, tall and stately were studded with gems of every color. Silver, gold, ivory and precious stones competed with each other, in enhancing the beauty and brilliance of those towering palaces, which were the pride of Lanka. A splendid doorway of exquisitely crafted gold, led into the rich, cool interiors with windows of gold trellis, framed with silver and ivory. Ravana climbed the majestic golden steps of his palace, along with Sita. The master of Lanka boasted of the might of his men and their skills. "Ten million attend on me in one place and twenty-two million at another. I am the king of thirty two million warriors who execute every evil wish of mine. My life and this kingdom I surrender to you and you will be the queen of my wives! The path I have chosen is the right one and is beyond debate. Take pity on me Sita, I love you and cherish you more than my life! Lanka spreads over a hundred Yojanas and thousands guard it, even the combined forces of the suras and asuras cannot conquer my island. There is none equal to me, among the devatas, yakshas or gandharvas. Of what use is Rama to you? A hapless hermit, he has neither kingdom nor home. A man and mortal, Rama is no match for me. Be my consort! Youth is transient Vaidehi! Do not even dream of Rama ever reaching Lanka, even the thought is inconceivable to his feeble mind. As sovereign of Lanka, the devatas, rakshasas and all creatures big and small, shall serve you. Your bad karma had cast you in the jungles of Dandaka, now live in Lanka and enjoy the merit of your good deeds. The Vedas too shall consent our union. I implore you and pay obeisance to your feet! Though it does not befit me, I Ravana who have never bowed to a woman, am now your slave. Accept me!" So ranted Ravana, blind with passion, oblivious of dharma and unware of his impending doom!
Summary
Having ordered the Rakshasas to enter Dandaka and eliminate Rama, Ravana relaxed and felt greatly relieved. All his thoughts now centred on Sita. A prey to his sinful passions, the desire to possess her was driving him insane. He saw her, a poignant figure of despair and despondency as she sat amidst the demon guard. With her head bowed, she seemed like a doe surrounded by snarling dogs, like a floundering boat caught in the fury of a tempest! Insensitive to her grief Ravana took her away by force, to show and impress her with his palaces, his possessions and his wealth. He led her through the enchanting groves dotted with wells, lakes and lotus ponds. Magnificent mansions rivaled with the abodes of the gods and teemed with thousands of women. Flocks of birds lent their myriad hues and song to an ambience that resonated with the sound of celestial gongs. Graceful pillars, tall and stately were studded with gems of every color. Silver, gold, ivory and precious stones competed with each other, in enhancing the beauty and brilliance of those towering palaces, which were the pride of Lanka. A splendid doorway of exquisitely crafted gold, led into the rich, cool interiors with windows of gold trellis, framed with silver and ivory. Ravana climbed the majestic golden steps of his palace, along with Sita. The master of Lanka boasted of the might of his men and their skills. "Ten million attend on me in one place and twenty-two million at another. I am the king of thirty two million warriors who execute every evil wish of mine. My life and this kingdom I surrender to you and you will be the queen of my wives! The path I have chosen is the right one and is beyond debate. Take pity on me Sita, I love you and cherish you more than my life! Lanka spreads over a hundred Yojanas and thousands guard it, even the combined forces of the suras and asuras cannot conquer my island. There is none equal to me, among the devatas, yakshas or gandharvas. Of what use is Rama to you? A hapless hermit, he has neither kingdom nor home. A man and mortal, Rama is no match for me. Be my consort! Youth is transient Vaidehi! Do not even dream of Rama ever reaching Lanka, even the thought is inconceivable to his feeble mind. As sovereign of Lanka, the devatas, rakshasas and all creatures big and small, shall serve you. Your bad karma had cast you in the jungles of Dandaka, now live in Lanka and enjoy the merit of your good deeds. The Vedas too shall consent our union. I implore you and pay obeisance to your feet! Though it does not befit me, I Ravana who have never bowed to a woman, am now your slave. Accept me!" So ranted Ravana, blind with passion, oblivious of dharma and unware of his impending doom!