Shloka 3.37.1

मारीचोपदेशः — Maricha’s Counsel to Ravana (On Rama’s Dharma and the Peril of Abduction)

Devanagari script

तच्छृत्वा राक्षसेन्द्रस्य वाक्यं वाक्यविशारदः।प्रत्युवाच महाप्राज्ञो मारीचो राक्षसेश्वरम्।।।।

Transliteration

tac chrutvā rākṣasendrasya vākyaṃ vākyaviśāradaḥ | pratyuvāca mahāprājño mārīco rākṣaseśvaram ||

Translation

Hearing the words of the lord of the rākṣasas, the very wise Mārīca—skilled in speech—replied to Rāvaṇa, ruler of the demons.

Context

Having heard the words of Ravana, lord of the demons, wise Maricha who was also an eloquent speaker replied:

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Mārīca

FAQs

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

Dharma includes wise counsel and responsible speech—especially when addressing power; the scene frames counsel as a moral act with consequences.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa speaks to Mārīca; Mārīca, known for eloquence, begins his reply.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prājñā (wisdom) and vāg-nīti (ethical, skillful speech).