Shloka 3.36.15

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

Devanagari script

त्वया ह्यहं सहायेन पार्श्वस्थेन महाबल।।3.36.14।।भ्रातृभिश्च सुरान्युद्धे समग्रान्नाभिचिन्तये।तत्सहायो भव त्वं मे समर्थो ह्यसि राक्षस।।3.36.15।।

Transliteration

vīrye yuddhe ca darpe ca na hy asti sadṛśas tava | upāya-jño mahān śūras sarva-māyā-viśāradaḥ || 3.36.16 ||

Translation

In valor, in battle, and in pride, there is no one equal to you. You know all strategies, are a great hero, and are skilled in all illusions.

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

FAQs

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

Skill and intelligence are ethically neutral; dharma depends on purpose and method. Here, praise of māyā and stratagems signals a turn from righteous means toward deception.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa flatters Mārīca’s prowess and expertise in illusion to recruit him for a trick-based operation.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The trait emphasized is capability in strategy and illusion; ethically, the verse invites reflection on using talents responsibly rather than for harm.