Shloka 3.38.14

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

Devanagari script

अजातव्यञ्जनश्रीमान्पद्मपत्रनिभेक्षणः।एकवस्त्रधरो धन्वी शिखी कनकमालया।।3.38.14।।शोभयन् दण्डकारण्यं दीप्तेन स्वेन तेजसा।अदृश्यत ततो रामो बालचन्द्र इवोदितः।।3.38.15।।

Transliteration

ajāta-vyañjana-śrīmān padma-patra-nibhekṣaṇaḥ |

eka-vastra-dharo dhanvī śikhī kanaka-mālayā || 3.38.14 ||

śobhayan daṇḍakāraṇyaṁ dīptena svena tejasā |

adṛśyata tato rāmo bāla-candra ivoditaḥ || 3.38.15 ||

Translation

With no beard yet grown, handsome, lotus-petaled in gaze—clad in a single garment, bow in hand, hair bound up, wearing a golden garland—Rāma shone there. With his own radiant splendor he seemed to beautify the Daṇḍaka forest, like the young moon newly risen.

Context

Thereafter, handsome Rama, with eyes like lotus petals, beards ungrown, clad in a single garment with knotted hair on the head, wielding a bow, with a chain of gold, luminous with his own lustre enhanced the glory of Dandaka forest by looking like the young moon just risen.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Daṇḍakāraṇya
• dhanuḥ (bow)
• kanaka-mālā (gold garland/chain)

FAQs

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

Dharma is portrayed as luminous and beautifying: the presence of a righteous protector brings order and auspiciousness even to a dangerous wilderness.

What is the narrative situation?

The text describes Rāma’s youthful yet radiant appearance as he stands prepared to guard the sacrificial setting in Daṇḍaka.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Tejas joined with restraint—Rāma’s splendor is not mere beauty but the visible sign of inner discipline and righteous purpose.