Shloka 3.38.29

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

Devanagari script

शरजालपरिक्षिप्तामग्निज्वालासमावृताम्।प्रदग्धभवनां लङ्कां द्रक्ष्यसि त्वं न संशयः।।3.38.29।।

Transliteration

śarajālaparikṣiptām agnijvālāsamāvṛtām | pradagdhabhavanāṃ laṅkāṃ drakṣyasi tvaṃ na saṃśayaḥ || 3.38.29 ||

Translation

Without doubt you will behold Laṅkā: strewn about with a net of arrows, encircled by tongues of fire, its dwellings burnt and blazing.

Context

You will undoubtedly see Lanka filled with arrows, surrounded by flames of fire and its buildings on fire.

Characters & Entities

• Mārīca
• Rāvaṇa
• Laṅkā
• śara (arrows)
• agni (fire)

FAQs

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

Unrighteous desire and aggression invite collective ruin; adharma does not remain private but consumes an entire polity (here, Laṅkā).

What is the narrative situation?

Mārīca describes the catastrophic outcome awaiting Rāvaṇa—Laṅkā overwhelmed by battle and fire—if he provokes Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Truthful warning (satya-vacana) aligned with dharma: Mārīca speaks plainly about consequences rather than flattering power.