Shloka 3.36.14

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

Devanagari script

त्वया ह्यहं सहायेन पार्श्वस्थेन महाबल।।।।भ्रातृभिश्च सुरान्युद्धे समग्रान्नाभिचिन्तये।तत्सहायो भव त्वं मे समर्थो ह्यसि राक्षस।।।।

Transliteration

tvayā hy ahaṁ sahāyena pārśvasthena mahābala | bhrātṛbhiś ca surān yuddhe samagrān nābhicintaye | tat sahāyo bhava tvaṁ me samartho hy asi rākṣasa || 3.36.14 ||

Translation

With you as my helper by my side, O mighty one, along with my brothers, I do not fear even all the gods in battle. Therefore, assist me, O Rakshasa.

Context

You are mighty. I do not care to fight even the gods when you and my brothers are by my side. Therefore, O demon, be my accomplice. (I know) you are capable of that.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Mārīca
• Rāvaṇa's brothers (collective)
• Devas/gods (collective)

FAQs

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

The verse warns against pride (darpā) and unethical alliances: confidence in power does not confer moral right; dharma requires right means, not merely strong support.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa attempts to secure Mārīca’s cooperation by boasting of invincibility with allies, urging him to join the plan.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By negative example, humility and discernment are the virtues; Rāvaṇa displays arrogance and coercive persuasion.