Shloka 3.38.18

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

Devanagari script

अवजानन्नहं मोहाद्बालोऽयमिति राघवम्।विश्वामित्रस्य तां वेदिमभ्यधावं कृतत्वरः।।3.38.18।।

Transliteration

avajānannahaṃ mohādbālo'yamiti rāghavam | viśvāmitrasya tāṃ vedimabhyadhāvaṃ kṛtatvaraḥ ||

Translation

Out of delusion, I disregarded Rāghava, thinking, “He is merely a child,” and hastily rushed toward Viśvāmitra’s sacrificial altar.

Context

Out of my delusion I underestimated the young boy, and screaming, ran towards Visvamitra's sacrificial altar.

Characters & Entities

• Maricha
• Rama
• Vishvamitra
• Vedi

FAQs

Why did Maricha attack Vishvamitra's altar?

Driven by delusion and underestimating Rama as a mere child, Maricha rushed to disrupt the sacrificial altar.

What does this verse reveal about Maricha's perception of Rama?

It highlights Maricha's initial ignorance (Moha) regarding Rama's divine power, judging him solely by his youthful appearance.