Ravana did not touch Sita due to a curse he received from Nalakubera: if he ever touched a woman against her will, he would be burned to ashes.
The Curse of Nalakubera
The commonly held belief that Ravana's restraint towards Sita was solely due to his noble character is often juxtaposed with the story of Nalakubera's curse. This curse provides a compelling explanation for Ravana's behavior.
Details of the Curse
Nalakubera, the son of Kubera (the god of wealth), was once assaulted by Ravana, who attempted to violate a celestial nymph, Rambha. Rambha was on her way to meet Nalakubera, and when Ravana tried to force himself on her, she revealed that she was like a daughter-in-law to him. Despite this, Ravana proceeded with his immoral act. Enraged, Nalakubera cursed Ravana, decreeing that if Ravana were to ever force himself upon a woman against her will, he would be instantly reduced to ashes.
Impact on Ravana's Actions
This curse is often cited as the primary reason Ravana abducted Sita but did not violate her during her captivity in Lanka. He desired Sita, but the fear of the curse prevented him from physically forcing himself upon her. He tried various tactics, including persuasion, threats, and displaying his power, but he never crossed the line of non-consensual physical contact.
Other Interpretations
While the curse offers a logical explanation, other interpretations exist.
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Ravana's Knowledge of Dharma: Some believe that Ravana, despite his villainous actions, possessed a deep understanding of dharma (righteous conduct). He knew that forcing himself upon Sita would be an egregious sin and would bring about his ultimate downfall.
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Respect for Sita's Purity: Another perspective suggests that Ravana recognized Sita's unwavering devotion to Rama and respected her purity. Forcing himself upon her would not only be a violation but also a futile attempt to break her spirit.
Conclusion
While debates continue regarding Ravana's true motivations, the curse of Nalakubera provides a credible and widely accepted explanation for why Ravana did not physically violate Sita, despite holding her captive. The fear of instant annihilation served as a powerful deterrent, influencing his actions throughout Sita's captivity in Lanka.
