Shloka 3.38.30

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

Devanagari script

परदाराभिमर्शात्तु नान्यत्पापतरं महत्।प्रमदानां सहस्रं च तव राजन्परिग्रहः।।3.38.30।।

Transliteration

bhava svadāranirataḥ svakulaṃ rakṣa rākṣasa | mānam ṛddhiṃ ca rājyaṃ ca jīvitaṃ ceṣṭam ātmanaḥ || 3.38.31 ||

Translation

O rākṣasa, be devoted to your own wives; protect your lineage, your honor, your prosperity, your kingdom—and your own dear life.

Context

O king! there is no sin greater than violating the chastity of others wives, when you have married a thousand lovely women.

Characters & Entities

• Mārīca
• Rāvaṇa
• rākṣasa (clan/people)

FAQs

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

Dharma requires self-restraint and protection of one’s dependents and lineage; personal desire must not endanger kula (family line) and rājya (kingdom).

What is the narrative situation?

Mārīca urges Rāvaṇa to abandon the plan against Sītā and instead preserve his people, honor, and sovereignty.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Responsible rulership: a king should safeguard honor, prosperity, and life by avoiding reckless adharma.