Shloka 3.36.3

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

Devanagari script

जानीषे त्वं जनस्थाने यथा भ्राता खरो मम।दूषणश्च महाबाहु स्वसा शूर्पणखा च मे।।3.36.2।।त्रिशिराश्च महातेजा राक्षसः पिशिताशनः।अन्ये च बहवश्शूरा लब्धलक्षा निशाचराः।।3.36.3।।वसत्नि मन्नियोगेन नित्यवासं च राक्षसाः।बाधमाना महारण्ये मुनीन्वै धर्मचारिणः।।3.36.4।।

Transliteration

triśirāś ca mahātejā rākṣasaḥ piśitāśanaḥ |

anye ca bahavaḥ śūrā labdhalakṣā niśācarāḥ || 3.36.3 ||

Translation

You know also Triśiras, the rākṣasa of mighty radiance, a devourer of flesh—and many other brave night-roaming demons besides, whose aim never fails.

Context

You know that my brothers, Khara and Dusana, the strongarmed heroes, my sister Surpanakha and the mighty cannibal Trisira, and many other heroic demons successful in hitting their targets are bonafide residents. They have been harassing the followers of righteous path (the sages) at my behest.

Characters & Entities

• Triśiras
• Rākṣasas
• Janasthāna

FAQs

How does this verse relate to dharma in the Aranya-kāṇḍa narrative?

Rāvaṇa lists powerful rākṣasas who roam and act violently; in the surrounding context they are portrayed as oppressing dharma-practicing sages, highlighting adharma as the force opposing righteous living in the forest.

What ethical point is implied by describing the demons as 'labdhalakṣāḥ' (unerring in aim)?

It underscores that capability and skill are ethically neutral: when placed in the service of adharma (harm to innocents and ascetics), even excellence becomes a threat, contrasting with dharmic use of strength for protection.