Shloka 3.38.27

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

Devanagari script

दिव्यचन्दनदिग्धाङ्गान्दिव्याभरणभूषितान्।द्रक्ष्यस्यभिहतान्भूमौ तव दोषात्तु राक्षसान्।।3.38.27।।

Transliteration

akurvanto 'pi pāpāni śucayaḥ pāpasaṃśrayāt | parapāpair vinaśyanti matsyā nāgahrade yathā || 3.38.26 ||

Translation

Even the pure, though committing no sin themselves, are ruined by the sins of others when they take shelter among the wicked—like fish that perish in a pool infested with serpents.

Context

You will see the demons who smear their limbs with sandal paste and unguents, who are adorned with excellent ornaments slain and laid on the ground for your mistakes.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• matsya (fish)
• nāga (serpents)

FAQs

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

Moral environment matters: association with adharma endangers even the innocent; Dharma advises discerning company (saṅga).

What is the narrative situation?

Kabandha cautions that Rāvaṇa’s wrongdoing will destroy even those around him, using a vivid simile.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Discernment and moral vigilance—choosing righteous association to preserve integrity and life.