Shloka 3.38.15

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

tato ’haṁ megha-saṅkāśas tapta-kāñcana-kuṇḍalaḥ |

balī datta-varodarpād ājagāma tad-āśramam || 3.38.16 ||

Translation

Then I—cloud-dark, wearing gleaming gold earrings—strong, and swollen with the pride of boons granted to me, came to that hermitage.

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

• Mārīca
• āśrama (hermitage)

FAQs

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

Gifts and boons do not justify wrongdoing; pride that arises from power becomes a cause of adharma and downfall.

What is the narrative situation?

Mārīca recounts approaching the hermitage, emboldened by strength and supernatural favors.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The cautionary opposite of virtue: humility. The Ramayana repeatedly treats humility as the safeguard of power.