Shloka 3.36.24
मारीचप्रलोभनम् / Ravana Solicits Maricha’s Aid (Golden Deer Stratagem)
स रावणं त्रस्तविषण्णचेता महावने रामपराक्रमज्ञः।कृताञ्जलिस्तत्वमुवाच वाक्यं हितं च तस्मै हितमात्मनश्च।।।।
sa rāvaṇaṃ trastaviṣaṇṇacetā mahāvane rāmaparākramajñaḥ |
kṛtāñjalis tattvam uvāca vākyaṃ hitaṃ ca tasmai hitam ātmanaś ca ||
In that great forest, Mārīca—knowing Rāma’s prowess, frightened and downcast—addressed Rāvaṇa with folded hands, speaking truthful and salutary words for Rāvaṇa’s good and for his own as well.
Maricha who knows of Rama's valour was frightened and depressed at heart. He revealed to Ravana with folded hands some facts for mutual benefit.ityārṣē śrīmadrāmāyaṇē vālmīkīyē ādikāvyē araṇyakāṇḍē ṣaṭ triṅśassargaḥ৷৷Thus ends the thirtysixth sarga of Aranyakanda of the holy Ramayana the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.
Satya (truth) and hita (beneficial counsel) are presented as dharmic speech: even amid fear, Mārīca prepares to speak what is true and welfare-oriented rather than what merely pleases.
The narration sets up Mārīca’s response: he is alarmed by Rāvaṇa’s intent and is about to offer counsel grounded in his knowledge of Rāma’s strength.
Nīti (wise counsel) and satyavacana (truthful speech) are emphasized: Mārīca intends to state facts for mutual welfare, not to encourage reckless adharma.