Shloka 3.38.28

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

Devanagari script

हृतदारान् सदारांश्च दश विद्रवतो दिशः।हतशेषानशरणान्द्रक्ष्यसि त्वं निशाचरान्।।3.38.28।।

Transliteration

hṛtadārān sadārāṃś ca daśa vidravato diśaḥ | hataśeṣān aśaraṇān drakṣyasi tvaṃ niśācarān || 3.38.28 ||

Translation

You will see the surviving night-rangers—some with their wives carried off, others fleeing with their wives—scattering in all ten directions, helpless and without refuge.

Context

You will see the rest of the demons with their wives gone or fleeing in all directions helplessly with none to take care of them.

Characters & Entities

• Mārīca
• Rāvaṇa
• niśācara (rākṣasas)

FAQs

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

Adharma—especially violence and violation of others’ households—ends in social collapse and loss of protection; wrongdoing makes one ‘aśaraṇa’ (without refuge).

What is the narrative situation?

Mārīca warns Rāvaṇa that if he persists in his plan against Sītā, the rākṣasas will be devastated and will flee in panic in every direction.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudent counsel and foresight (nīti): Mārīca speaks as a well-wisher, predicting the inevitable fallout of unjust action.