Shloka 3.39.16

एकोनचत्वारिंशः सर्गः (Aranyakanda 39): राक्षसस्य रामत्रासवर्णनम् / The Demon’s Account of Rama-Fear

Devanagari script

राममेव हि पश्यामि रहिते राक्षसाधिप।दृष्ट्वा स्वप्नगतं राममुद्भ्रमामि विचेतनः।।।।

Transliteration

rāmam eva hi paśyāmi rahite rākṣasādhipa |

dṛṣṭvā svapnagataṃ rāmam udbhramāmi vicetanaḥ ||

Translation

O lord of the rākṣasas, even when I am alone I see only Rāma; and when I behold Rāma even in a dream, I become senseless and wander in bewilderment.

Context

O king of the demons ! I see only Rama even in solitude. When I see him in a dream I lose my senses in a state of bewilderment.

Characters & Entities

• Marīca
• Rāma
• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

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

Dharma is shown as an objective moral force: wrongdoing generates inner torment and fear. Marīca’s mind is haunted by the righteous warrior he wronged, illustrating that adharma destabilizes one’s conscience and peace.

What is the narrative situation?

Marīca, recalling his earlier encounter with Rāma, warns Rāvaṇa by describing how Rāma’s presence overwhelms him even in solitude and dreams.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence born of experience: Marīca recognizes consequences and urges restraint, valuing survival and truth over reckless pride.