Shloka 3.36.13

मारीचप्रलोभनम् / Ravana Solicits Maricha’s Aid (Golden Deer Stratagem)

Devanagari script

येन वैरं विनाऽरण्ये सत्वमाश्रित्य केवलम्।।3.36.12।।कर्णनासापहरणाद्भगिनी मे विरूपिता।तस्यभार्यां जनस्थानात्सीतां सुरसुतोपमाम्।3.36.13।।आनयिष्यामि विक्रम्य सहायस्तत्र मे भव।

Transliteration

tasya bhāryāṁ janasthānāt sītāṁ surasutopamām | ānayiṣyāmi vikramya sahāyas tatra me bhava || 3.36.13 ||

Translation

From Janasthana, I will forcibly abduct his wife Sita, who resembles a celestial maiden; be my helper in this endeavor.

Context

With no enmity whatsoever, merely because he has strength, he cut off the nose and ears of my sister and mutilated her. His wife Sita is like the daughter of heaven. I would like to abduct her with force from Janasthana for which you should be my accomplice.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Mārīca
• Sītā
• Rāma (implied by 'his wife')
• Janasthāna

FAQs

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

The verse marks a clear breach of dharma: abducting another’s wife is a grave adharma; praising Sītā’s divine-like beauty while plotting her harm shows desire overriding righteousness.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa explicitly reveals his intent to abduct Sītā from Jana-sthāna and asks Mārīca to assist, setting the central deception of the episode.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The virtue highlighted by contrast is fidelity and protection of marital dharma (Sītā–Rāma); Rāvaṇa embodies the opposite—unrestrained desire.