Shloka 3.31.44

अकम्पनवृत्तान्तः — Akampana Reports Janasthana; Ravana Plans Sita’s Abduction

Devanagari script

प्रोत्साहयति कश्च त्वां स च शत्रुरसंशयः।अशीविषमुखाद्दंष्ट्रामुद्धर्तुं चेच्छति त्वया।।3.31.44।।

Transliteration

protsāhayati kaś ca tvāṃ sa ca śatrur asaṃśayaḥ | aśīviṣa-mukhād daṃṣṭrām uddhartuṃ cecchati tvayā || 3.31.44 ||

Translation

Whoever is urging you on—he is surely your enemy. He wants you to try to pull out the fangs from the mouth of a venomous serpent.

Context

He who has encouraged you in this is your enemy, indeed. He wants you to pluck out the fangs from the serpent's mouth.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• aśīviṣa (venomous serpent) (metaphor)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma requires discernment about counsel: one must distinguish true well-wishers from flattering instigators, especially when being pushed toward harmful, unrighteous action.

What is the narrative situation?

Mārīca warns Rāvaṇa that the very idea of abducting Sītā is like attempting an impossible and lethal act—provoking a deadly force.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Viveka (discriminative judgment): the ability to recognize dangerous advice and avoid reckless escalation.