Shloka 3.38.11

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

kāmam astu mahat sainyaṁ tiṣṭhatu iha parantapa || 3.38.10 ||

bālo ’py eṣa mahātejāḥ samarthas tasya nigrahe |

gamiṣye rāmam ādāya svasti te ’stu parantapa || 3.38.11 ||

Translation

“If you so desire, O scorcher of foes, let your great army remain here. Though he is only a boy, this radiant Rāma is fully capable of subduing him. I shall go, taking Rāma with me—may auspiciousness be yours, O subduer of enemies.”

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

• Viśvāmitra
• Rāma
• Daśaratha
• sainya (army)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is duty aligned with trust and righteousness: the sage asserts that protecting sacred rites and restraining wrongdoing can be entrusted to a dharmic hero even if young.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra declares he will personally take Rāma for the task of subduing the threat to the sacrifice, allowing the larger force to remain behind.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Confidence grounded in tapas and discernment (Viśvāmitra), and Rāma’s latent heroic capability—strength meant for protection, not aggression.