Shloka 3.36.23

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

Devanagari script

ओष्ठौ परिलिहञ्चुष्कौ नेत्रैरनिमिषैरिव।मृतभूत इवार्तस्तु रावणं समुदैक्षत।।।।

Transliteration

oṣṭhau parilihaṃś cuṣkau netrair animiṣair iva |

mṛtabhūta ivārtaḥ tu rāvaṇaṃ samudaikṣata ||

Translation

Licking his parched lips, with eyes as if unblinking, Mārīca—distressed like one already dead—stared at Rāvaṇa.

Context

Licking his dried up lips, as though his eyes stopped winking like those of the dead, Maricha stared at Ravana, distressed.

Characters & Entities

• Mārīca
• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

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

The verse underscores that adharma breeds inner collapse—fear and despair—whereas dharma grants composure. Moral disorder manifests as psychological turmoil.

What is the narrative situation?

After hearing Rāma’s name and the implied plan, Mārīca is shown in a state of shock and dread as he looks at Rāvaṇa.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence (nīti) is implied in Mārīca’s hesitation: he recognizes the danger of opposing dharma embodied by Rāma.