Shloka 3.35.6

मारीचाश्रमगमनम् (Ravana’s Journey to Maricha’s Hermitage)

Devanagari script

काञ्चनं रथमास्थाय कामगं रत्नभूषितम्।पिशाचवदनैर्युक्तं खरैः काञ्चनभूषणैः।।।।मेघप्रतिमनादेन स तेन धनदानुजः।राक्षसाधिपतिश्श्रीमान्ययौ नदनदीपतिम्।।।।

Transliteration

kaccit sukuśalaṃ rājan laṅkāyāṃ rākṣaseśvara |

kenārthena punas tvaṃ vai tūrṇam evam ihāgataḥ ||

Translation

“O King, O lord of rākṣasas—may all be well in Laṅkā. For what purpose have you come here again, and so quickly?”

Context

The younger brother of Kubera (Ravana), the prosperous lord of the demons ascendedthe chariot which could go where he desired. Embellished with gold, studded with gems, harnessed with demon-faced donkeys, the chariot rolled towards the ocean, rumbling like a cloud.

Characters & Entities

• Mārīca
• Rāvaṇa
• Laṅkā

FAQs

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

Dharma begins with responsible inquiry: before acting, one seeks truth (satya) about purpose and circumstance. Mārīca’s questioning models cautious discernment.

What is the narrative situation?

Mārīca greets Rāvaṇa formally and asks why he has returned so soon, signaling that something unusual is underway.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence and discernment—asking direct questions rather than blindly agreeing to a powerful visitor.