Shloka 3.38.26

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

Devanagari script

अकुर्वन्तोऽपि पापानि शुचयः पापसंश्रयात्।परपापैर्विनश्यन्ति मत्स्या नागह्रदे यथा।।3.38.26।।

Transliteration

harmyaprāsādasambādhāṃ nānāratnavibhūṣitām | drakṣyasi tvaṃ purīṃ laṅkāṃ vinaṣṭāṃ maithilīkṛte || 3.38.25 ||

Translation

You will behold Laṅkā—crowded with mansions and palaces, adorned with many gems—lying in ruins, all because of Maithilī.

Context

Even without committing any sin those pure souls because they keep company with sinners will be destroyed for the sins of others just like fishes in a pool of serpents.

Characters & Entities

• Laṅkā
• Rāvaṇa
• Maithilī (Sītā)

FAQs

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

Violation of another’s rightful bonds (abduction/violation of marital and personal sanctity) brings destruction upon one’s own realm.

What is the narrative situation?

Kabandha foretells that Laṅkā’s splendor will be ruined due to Rāvaṇa’s actions connected with Sītā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Fidelity to righteous boundaries (maryādā) is implied; transgressing them triggers catastrophic consequences.