Shloka 3.31.41
अकम्पनवृत्तान्तः — Akampana Reports Janasthana; Ravana Plans Sita’s Abduction
राक्षसेन्द्रवचश्श्रुत्वा मारीचो वाक्यमब्रवीत्।।3.31.41।।आख्याता केन सीता सा मित्ररूपेण शत्रुणा।त्वया राक्षसशार्दूल को न नन्दति नन्दितः।।3.31.42।।
rākṣasendra-vacaḥ śrutvā mārīco vākyam abravīt || 3.31.41 ||
ākhyātā kena sītā sā mitra-rūpeṇa śatruṇā |
tvayā rākṣasa-śārdūla ko na nandati nanditaḥ || 3.31.42 ||
Hearing the words of the rākṣasa-king, Mārīca replied: “By whom was that Sītā reported to you—by what enemy wearing the guise of a friend? O tiger among rākṣasas, who, after being favored by you, would not rejoice—unless he wished you harm?”
Having heard Ravana ,the king of demons, Maricha said these words: O king, who is that enemy of yours who, in the guise of a friend, has told you about Sita? Though obliged by you, who is he that is not happy with you, O tiger among demons?
It emphasizes discernment and truth-testing (satya-parīkṣā): counsel begins by identifying deceptive influences that push one toward adharma.
Mārīca responds to Rāvaṇa’s proposal, first probing how Rāvaṇa came to fixate on Sītā and warning (implicitly) of manipulation.
Pragmatic intelligence and cautious counsel—Mārīca investigates motives and sources before endorsing action.