Shloka 3.38.25

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

Devanagari script

हर्म्यप्रासादसम्बाधां नानारत्नविभूषिताम्।द्रक्ष्यसि त्वं पुरीं लङ्कां विनष्टां मैथिलीकृते।।3.38.25।।

Transliteration

krīḍāratividhijñānāṃ samājotsavaśālinām | rakṣasāṃ caiva santāpaṃ anarthaṃ cāhariṣyasi || 3.38.24 ||

Translation

You will bring anguish and ruin upon the rākṣasas as well—upon those skilled in pleasures and pastimes, and those who flourish in social gatherings and festivities.

Context

You will see the city of Lanka dotted with magnificent royal mansions embellished with different kinds of gems ruined for the sake of Sita.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Rākṣasāḥ (demons)

FAQs

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

A ruler’s adharma harms not only himself but also his dependents; leadership carries collective moral responsibility.

What is the narrative situation?

Kabandha predicts that Rāvaṇa’s choices will cause suffering to Laṅkā’s rākṣasa society.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Responsible kingship by implication—self-control and foresight, without which a leader becomes the cause of communal ruin.