Shloka 3.37.16

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

Devanagari script

धनुर्व्यादितदीप्तास्यं शरार्चिषममर्षणम्।चापबाणधरं तीक्ष्णं शत्रुसैन्यप्रहारिणम्।।।।राज्यं सुखं च सन्त्यज्य जीवितं चेष्टमात्मनः।नात्यासादयितुं तात रामान्तकमिहार्हसि।।।।

Transliteration

śarārciṣam ādhṛṣyaṃ cāpa-khaḍg-endhanaṃ raṇe | rāmāgniṃ sahasā dīptaṃ na praveṣṭuṃ tvam arhasi ||

Translation

You ought not rush into the fire that is Rāma—unassailable in battle—whose flames are arrows and whose fuel is bow and sword, suddenly blazing forth.

Context

You should not give up happiness,your dear life and kingdom and come to Rama who is a variable god of death. His bow is like on open burning mouth, and his flaming arrows are like fire. He is all anger. He is wielder of bow and arrows. He can strike the enemy army (alone).

Characters & Entities

• Mārīca
• Rāvaṇa
• Rāma
• bow
• sword
• arrows

FAQs

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

Dharma includes restraint and right judgment: do not pursue a wrongful aim that leads to self-destruction, especially against a righteous and superior opponent.

What is the narrative situation?

Mārīca uses a fire metaphor to dissuade Rāvaṇa from provoking Rāma through the planned abduction.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s invincible valor in righteous battle, and the counsel of prudence as a protective virtue.