Episode 10 - Ravana’s arrival in the garden and his encounter with Sita

Early in the morning, Hanuman heard Vedic Mantras (hymns) being recited by Brahma Rakshasas, who were well-versed in the Vedas and the Vedangas and who had performed Yajnas (sacrifices). Ravana woke up to the auspicious sounds of musical instruments and at once thought of Sita in his infatuation for her. He immediately left for Sita’s place accompanied by his ladies. They were carrying golden lights, golden vessels of water, wines, fans and swords. One lady was carrying a Swetachatram (white umbrella) fitted to a golden stick, a royal insignia.

Hanuman spotted Ravana accompanied by his ladies, as he neared the Asoka tree. He was drunk and full of pride, egoism and lust and arrogance. He looked like Manmatha, God of Love, without his bow of flowers. Hanuman, who was himself full of radiance was overwhelmed by the extraordinary radiance of Ravana and assumed a small form and was seated in the midst of leaves so as not to be visible. Ravana drew near to Sita to see her closely.

As Ravana was approaching her, Sita began to shiver like a plantain (banana plant) blown about by wild winds. She looked like fame extinguished by false accusation and like knowledge that has faded due to lack of adequate recitation and revision. She was like a river with water dried up and like the night of a full-moon day when the moon is eclipsed by Rahugraham (In this context, in order to describe Sita’s pitiable condition, Valmiki gives many brilliant examples of many bright things that have lost their original lustre by some kind of unhappy and unwelcome interference or influence. Only a few of them have been mentioned). She became emaciated by her fasting, penance, sorrow and fear. She looked like an angel praying for Ravana’s defeat and destruction at the hands of Rama. However, Ravana began to threaten her with death and in doing so, was probably inviting his own death. He was mixing his threats with sweet words.

Ravana pleaded with Sita “O Sita! The darling of the entire world! I love you. Why do you conceal yourself from me? You need not fear anyone here. I remind you that it is our Rakshasa Dharma to enjoy women belonging to others even by kidnapping them. Though I am love-sick, I do not want to touch you, as you are averse to me. This kind of self-inflicted suffering does not suit you. Love me.”

Continuing, Ravana said: “You are like a jewel among women. Wear ornaments. Youth is like flowing water and your youth is getting lost never to be regained. Lord Brahma, the Creator, having created a beauty like you, appears to have stopped creating beautiful objects, as there is none else so beautiful as you. If God Brahma finds you, he cannot leave you; not to speak of mortals like me.”

“O Sita! If you accept my courtship, you will be my queen, above all others, who will be at your command and service. I shall conquer the entire world and place it at your father, Janaka’s feet. It is doubtful if Rama, who has lost his kingdom, is still alive. He cannot hope to see you, much less to retrieve you from my charge. After seeing you, I am not able to enjoy the company of my wives. If you accept me, they will be subordinated to you.”

“Rama is not equal to me in penance, physical strength, valour, wealth, grace or fame. O Hilarious Sita! Drink and enjoy with me all kinds of luxuries. I shall bestow on you my kingdom and all kinds of wealth. Your kith and kin can also enjoy your wealth and prosperity. Let us go to the beautiful gardens and the sea-shore.”