Ravana, the demon king, seethed with fury at the comparison drawn between himself and Rama, a comparison that cast him as a creature of no worth—weak in strength, deceitful in his methods, and ultimately inferior. He was likened to a cunning fox, while Rama stood as a majestic lion, noble in approach and action. Ravana’s rage surged mightily, and with a commanding presence, he declared:
“Sita, take heed! Fortune favors you, for I am Ravana, the ten-headed and twenty-armed demon, brother of Kubera, the cardinal of wealth. Know this: at my very sight, gods, Gandharvas, ghosts, serpents, and divine birds flee as if they have encountered the Lord of Death himself. I have battled my brother,r Kubera, defeated him, and claimed his kingdom. Now he resides on Mount Kailasa, having abandoned his realm out of fear of my might.
O virtuous lady! The Pushpaka Vimana, that divine chariot of unrestricted flight, was once his; I won it through my strength and courage. I traverse realms at will. Even Indra and his celestial host tremble at the mere hint of my wrath, vanishing in terror. Where I stand, the wind slows its frolicsome dance, the sun softens its fierce rays, and trees whisper their leaves in harmony with my mood. Rivers temper their flow to match my pace, and all of nature adjusts itself to my whims.
My kingdom, Lanka, lies across the ocean, rivaling Indra’s Amaravati. Terrible demons inhabit it, and exquisite palaces adorned with gold and precious gems stand as testaments to the superb craftsmanship of its builders. The grandeur of Lanka cannot be matched by earthly skills. Gates of pure gold, encrusted with diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies, mark its entrance. Pearls and corals drape as curtains in every hall. Nature itself conspires to present beauty to my liking.
Lanka is filled with the finest horses, elephants, and chariots. Holy chants, drums, trumpets, and soothing melodies resonate through the air. Trees and groves bloom with flowers and fruits in every season, never barren, always lush and vibrant. You, daughter of a king, would forget mortal men if you were to join me in Lanka. You would enjoy both human and divine splendors, far surpassing any life with the mere mortal Rama.
Though Rama is the eldest son of Dasaratha, his weak qualities led to his exile, and the kingdom was given to the more worthy Bharatha. O wide-eyed Sita, recognize your current plight. Rama, stripped of his kingdom, now roams the forest, helpless and ascetic. What future can you have with such an unfortunate, lowly mortal? I, Lord of Demons, Giants, and Spirits, have come to you with genuine intent. Do not spurn a legend such as I.
In ancient times, the monarch Pururava was rejected by Urvashi and met a tragic fate. You risk the same by rejecting me. Mortal Rama cannot compare to even my finger. I am your destined fortune; there is no cause to refuse me.”
Sita, regaining her composure, her eyes blazing like fire, responded to the wicked demon whose deceitful tactics she fully grasped. She sought to buy time, hoping for Rama and Lakshmana’s return. She recognized the falsehoods in Ravana’s self-aggrandizement and the looted wealth he flaunted. His aggressive, cunning, and egotistical nature disgusted her. His boasting over ill-gotten gains sent tremors through her mind.
“O lowest of beings, every realm respects Kubera, worshipped by all. How could you, claiming to be his brother, commit such heinous acts? You are cruel, lacking control over your senses. Your demonic forces will perish swiftly. Rama will not spare you for this abduction. Even if the gods forgive you, Rama’s wrath will be merciless. Prepare for your doom, for all your merits and boons will be in vain before Rama’s bow and arrows.
Surprisingly, Ravana, with no sense of urgency, continued to boast of his strength, boons, and achievements. His intent was clear: to weaken Rama through separation, avenging his demons’ defeat in Dandakaranya. Yet Sita, steadfast and bold, confronted the disguised demon with extraordinary courage. Despite the anxiety and complexity of the situation, the path was clear for the destructive forces to meet their end. The unfolding events would align with the cosmic order, restoring balance.”