Shloka 3.31.42
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।।
ākhyātā kena sītā sā mitrarūpeṇa śatruṇā |
tvayā rākṣasaśārdūla ko na nandati nanditaḥ ||3.31.42||
Who was it—an enemy disguised as a friend—who reported that lady Sītā to you? O tiger among rākṣasas, who, though favored by you, would not rejoice in you?
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?
Mārīca questions the reliability and motive of the informer, implying that counsel and reports must be tested for truth; accepting information uncritically can lead to adharma and ruin.
It warns that a ruler who is misled by deceptive ‘friends’ and acts from desire rather than discernment abandons dharma; wise governance requires truthful counsel and restraint.