Shloka 3.37.11

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

Devanagari script

कैकेय्याः प्रियकामार्थं पितुर्दशरथस्य च।हित्वा राज्यं च भोगांश्च प्रविष्टो दण्डकावनम्।।।।

Transliteration

kaikeyyāḥ priyakāmārthaṃ pitur daśarathasya ca | hitvā rājyaṃ ca bhogāṃś ca praviṣṭo daṇḍakāvanam ||

Translation

To satisfy Kaikeyī’s wish and to honor his father Daśaratha’s word, he abandoned kingdom and pleasures and entered the Daṇḍaka forest.

Context

To satisfy the desire of Kaikeyi and to fulfil his father's word he came to Dandaka forest, leaving the kingdom and all royal pleasures, behind.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Kaikeyī
• Daśaratha
• Daṇḍaka forest

FAQs

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

Dharma is prioritized over power and pleasure; the legitimacy of kingship is shown as rooted in truth-keeping and self-denial.

What is the narrative situation?

Mārīca continues describing Rāma’s exile as evidence of his steadfast character.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Tyāga (renunciation) and satyaniṣṭhā (steadfastness in truth).