Valmiki Ramayana (Summary) – Book 5 - Sundara Kandam – Part 14
Night was drawing to a close.
In his palace, Ravana was being awakened by the Vedic recitation of brahmana-demons who were well versed in the Vedas and other scriptural texts, and also by musicians and bards who sang his praises.
Even before he had time to adorn himself properly, Ravana thought of Sita and longed intensely to see her.
Quickly adorning himself with the best of ornaments and clad in splendid garments, he entered the Asoka-grove, accompanied by a hundred chosen women who carried golden torches, fans, cushions and other articles.
They were still under the influence of alcohol: and Ravana, though mighty and powerful, was under the influence of passion for Sita.
Hanuman recognised the person he had seen asleep in the palace the previous night.
Seeing him coming in her direction, the frightened Sita shielded her torso with her legs and hands, and began to weep bitterly.
Pining for Rama, distressed on account of her separation from him and stricken with grief, the most beautiful and radiant Sita resembled
eclipsed fame, neglected faith, enfeebled understanding, forlorn hope, ruined prospect, disregarded command, and obstructed worship;
eclipsed moon, decimated army, fuelless flame, river in drought.
She was constantly engaged in the prayer that Rama might soon triumph over Ravana and rescue her.
Ravana appeared to be chivalrous in his approach to Sita, and his words were meaningful and sweet.
He said to Sita:
"Pray, do not be afraid of me, O charming lady!
It is natural for a demon to enjoy others' wives and abduct them forcibly; it is the demon's own dharma.
But, I shall not violate you against your wishes.
For, I want to win your love; I want to win your esteem.
I have enough strength to restrain myself.
Yet, it breaks my heart to see you suffer like this; to see you, a princess, dressed like this in tattered and dirty garments.
You are born to apply the most delightful cosmetic articles, to wear royal attire, and to adorn yourself with the most expensive jewels.
You are young, youthful: this is the time to enjoy yourself, for youth is passing.
There is none in the three worlds who is as beautiful as you are, O princess: for, having fashioned you, the Creator has retired.
You are so beautiful that no one in the three worlds - not even Brahma the creator - could but be overcome by passion.
When you accept me, all that I have will become yours.
Even my chief wives will become your servants.
Let me warn you: no one in the three worlds is my match in strength and valour.
Rama, even if he is alive, does not even know where you are: he has no hope of regaining you.
Give up this foolish idea of yours.
Let me behold you appropriately dressed and adorned.
And, let us enjoy life to your heart's content."
( hari krishnamurthy K. HARIHARAN)"think of them as Sand paper.
They Scratch & hurt you,
but in the end you are polished and they are finished. ''
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