Shloka 3.39.18

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

Devanagari script

अहं तस्य प्रभावज्ञो न युद्धं तेन ते क्षमम्।बलिं वा नमुचिं वापि हन्याद्धि रघुनन्दनः।।।।

Transliteration

ahaṃ tasya prabhāvajño na yuddhaṃ tena te kṣamam |

baliṃ vā namuciṃ vāpi hanyād dhi raghunandanaḥ ||

Translation

I know his might; it is not fitting for you to wage war with him. Rāma, the delight of the Raghu line, could indeed slay even Bali or Namuci.

Context

I know his power.It is not proper to wage a war with him. Rama, delight of the Raghu dynasty, can slay even Bali or Namuchi.

Characters & Entities

• Marīca
• Rāma (Raghunandana)
• Rāvaṇa
• Bali
• Namuci

FAQs

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

Dharma includes wise restraint: knowing strength and limits, one should not choose a destructive conflict driven by ego. Ethical action aligns intention with reality and avoids unjust aggression.

What is the narrative situation?

Marīca advises Rāvaṇa against confronting Rāma, emphasizing Rāma’s extraordinary capacity by comparing him to mythic-slaying prowess.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Discernment (viveka): Marīca evaluates consequences and advocates a course consistent with safety and truth.