Shloka 3.35.7

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

Devanagari script

काञ्चनं रथमास्थाय कामगं रत्नभूषितम्।पिशाचवदनैर्युक्तं खरैः काञ्चनभूषणैः।।3.35.6।।मेघप्रतिमनादेन स तेन धनदानुजः।राक्षसाधिपतिश्श्रीमान्ययौ नदनदीपतिम्।।3.35.7।।

Transliteration

evam ukto mahātejā mārīcena sa rāvaṇaḥ |

tataḥ paścād idaṃ vākyam abravīd vākyakovidaḥ ||

Translation

Thus addressed by Mārīca, the radiant Rāvaṇa—skilled in speech—then replied with these words.

Context

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

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Mārīca

FAQs

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

The verse underscores that eloquence (vākyakovidatā) is not identical with satya. In the Ramayana, rhetoric can serve dharma when truthful, or become a tool of adharma when manipulative.

What is the narrative situation?

A transition marker: after Mārīca’s question, the narration prepares for Rāvaṇa’s reply and the unfolding scheme.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Communicative skill is highlighted (skill in speech), though the ethical direction of that skill depends on the content of Rāvaṇa’s intent.