Shloka 3.38.4

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

Devanagari script

अद्य रक्षतु मां रामः पर्वकाले समाहितः।।3.38.4।।मारीचान्मे भयं घोरं समुत्पन्नं नरेश्वर।

Transliteration

adya rakṣatu māṃ rāmaḥ parvakāle samāhitaḥ | mārīcān me bhayaṃ ghoraṃ samutpannaṃ nareśvara || 3.38.4 ||

Translation

O king, from Mārīca a dreadful fear has arisen for me; therefore let Rāma—composed and vigilant—protect me today at the time of the sacred observance.

Context

'O king! Maricha has created in me a great fear. Spare the self possessed Rama to protect me while I do the sacrifice.'

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Daśaratha
• Rāma
• Mārīca
• parvan (ritual time)

FAQs

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

A king’s dharma includes protecting sages and sacrificial rites; spiritual works (yajña) are safeguarded through righteous force when threatened.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra petitions Daśaratha to send Rāma as protection during the ritual time when demons disrupt the sacrifice.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Reliance on dharmic protection: Viśvāmitra seeks the aid of the worthy, self-controlled Rāma rather than acting from fear alone.