Shloka 3.38.10

अष्टत्रिंशः सर्गः — मारीचोपदेशः (Maricha’s Warning and the Memory of Rama’s Power)

Devanagari script

काममस्तु महत्सैन्यं तिष्ठत्विह परन्तप।।3.38.10।।बालोऽप्येष महातेजास्समर्थस्तस्य निग्रहे।गमिष्ये राममादाय स्वस्ति तेऽस्तु परन्तप।।3.38.11।।

Transliteration

vyacaraṁ daṇḍakāraṇye ṛṣi-māṁsāni bhakṣayan |

Translation

I ranged through the Daṇḍaka forest, feeding on the flesh of ascetics.

Context

'O scourge of foes! as you wish, let your great army wait here. Even though Rama is young he is glorious, and capable of subduing the enemy. I will take him. Be blessed.'

Characters & Entities

• Daṇḍakāraṇya (Dandaka forest)
• ṛṣi (ascetics/sages)
• Mārīca

FAQs

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

Harming the innocent—especially ascetics devoted to tapas and yajña—is a grave violation of dharma; the Ramayana repeatedly treats protection of such persons as a royal and heroic duty.

What is the narrative situation?

Mārīca confesses his atrocities in Daṇḍaka, establishing why sages seek protection and why Rāma’s role becomes necessary.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The implied virtue is compassion and guardianship: dharmic power protects the vulnerable rather than preying upon them.