Ravan and Sita

RAVANA AND SITA: Rama leaves the forest abode in search of the elusive golden deer which is a form manifested by Maaricha. Lakshmana also leaves when he hears the voice of Rama calling for help. Sita is left alone when she is visited by Ravana in the guise of a hermit.

Unassumingly, Sita invites the hermit to accept her hospitality when Ravana reveals himself and his desire to make her his queen. Sita rebukes Ravana which infuriates him and he abducts Sita to Lanka.

This print from the Ravi Varma Press derived from a painting by Raja Ravi Varma depicts Ravana in the guise of a hermit, attired in an ascetic attire and wearing sandals. He is seen requesting Sita who refuses his advances.