Shloka 3.38.16

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

Devanagari script

ततोऽहं मेघसङ्काशस्तप्तकाञ्चनकुण्डलः।बली दत्तवरोदर्पादाजगाम तदाश्रमम्।।3.38.16।।

Transliteration

tena dṛṣṭaḥ praviṣṭo ’haṁ sahasaivodyatāyudhaḥ |

māṁ tu dṛṣṭvā dhanuḥ sajyam asambhrāntaś cakāra saḥ || 3.38.17 ||

Translation

Spotted by him, I rushed in at once with weapons raised; but when he saw me, he calmly strung his bow, unshaken.

Context

Then looking like a dark cloud, wearing bright golden ear-rings, proud of power bestowed on me with boons, I arrived at the hermitage.

Characters & Entities

• Mārīca
• Rāma
• dhanuḥ (bow)
• āyudha (weapon)

FAQs

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

Dharma-driven strength is steady, not reactive: the righteous protector meets threat with composed readiness rather than panic.

What is the narrative situation?

Mārīca describes his aggressive entry and Rāma’s calm preparation to respond.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Dhairya (steadfast composure) in the face of danger—Rāma’s controlled courage.