Did Ravana Ever Attempt to Touch Sita?

Ravana's Character and the Fear of Curse

The question of whether Ravana ever touched Sita, as in never forcing himself on her, is a complex one. The traditional narrative attributes his restraint to the fear of a curse pronounced by Lord Brahma after Ravana had molested Punjikasthala, a celestial nymph. This fear motivates Jatayu's loyalty and the villagers' incredulity at Sita's supposed impropriety. A critical examination of the Ramayana reveals the circumstances surrounding this event.

Abduction and Cultivation of Virtue

According to the Valmiki Ramayana, when Ravana abducted Sita, he did not touch her. On the contrary, he used her hair to carry her, aligning with the views that even in ancient times, a lady being touched by another man, even in the context of an abduction, raised questions about her purity and character. This behavior was not that of a gentle and noble suzerain, but that of a man acting in a way that would preserve the dignity and honor of Sita.

Ravana's Perspective and the Mists of Time

In Valmiki’s verses, we see Ravana attempting to persuade Sita to become his wife. However, when she resists, his behavior becomes more sinister. In Canto 49, Verse 17-18 of the Aranya Kanda, we are told that Ravana caught Sita by her hair and lifted her as she clung to the trees. This act was in stark contrast to the image of a gentle and noble suzerain, highlighting the villainy and lust that Ravana possessed.

Furthermore, in Canto 52, Verse 5-8 of the Aranya Kanda, we read about Ravana's actions towards Sita, where she is depicted as crying and fearing for her safety. Ravana's conduct was marked by aggression and a desire to control her, but he never succeeded in losing his fear of the curse and forcing himself onto her.

Curse and Fear

It was the fear of the curse that kept Ravana from attempting to touch or harm Sita. In Canto 13 of the Yuddha Kanda, Ravana reveals the curse that Brahma had placed on him:

Hear you, O Mahaparshwa of a particular secret of mine of an incident which took place long ago of a fruit I gathered in the past. I shall presently confide it to you. Once I beheld a celestial nymph Punjikasthala by name flashing like a flame and sneaking away for fear of me through the heavens to the abode of Brahma. She was stripped of her garment and ravished by me. She then reached the abode of Brahma like a lotus plant violently shaken. The incident above I presume can not be known precisely as it occurred to that exalted soul. Highly enraged the creator forthwith addressed: ‘If you happen to violate any other woman henceforward your head will be forthwith split into a hundred pieces. Hence, afraid of his curse I do not violently put Sita a princess of the Videha territory on my charming bed by force.’

While many versions try to soften the image of Ravana, his character remains deeply rooted in the fear and the curse. No matter how much the narrative attempts to shift the blame or lessen his villainy, the fear of the curse is the driving force behind Ravana's restraint.

Sita's Sublime Virtue and Devotion to Shri Ram

Despite the trials and tribulations, Sita remains unwavering in her devotion to Shri Ram. She is portrayed as someone who values Shri Ram more than any palace, hut, or material wealth. This love and trust are a testament to her purity and devotion. Her character is a symbol of righteousness and chaste love, which Ravana respected and feared to violate.

Conclusion: The fear of the curse, combined with Sita's sublime virtue and unyielding devotion to Shri Ram, kept Ravana from ever attempting to touch Sita. While Ravana's actions during the abduction were harsh, the threat of the curse and the integrity of Sita's character ensured that he never succeeded in his malicious intentions.