Shloka 3.39.20

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

Devanagari script

बहवस्साधवो लोके युक्ता धर्ममनुष्ठिताः।परेषामपराधेन विनष्ठास्सपरिच्छदाः।।।।

Transliteration

bahavaḥ sādhavo loke yuktā dharmam anuṣṭhitāḥ |

pareṣām aparādhenā vinaṣṭāḥ saparicchadāḥ ||

Translation

In this world, many virtuous people—devoted to Dharma and steadfast in righteous practice—have been destroyed, together with their dependents, because of the wrongdoing of others.

Context

There were many pious men in this world who practise yoga and dharma .They have been destroyed along with their retinue due to mistakes committed by others.

Characters & Entities

• Marīca
• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

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

Actions have spillover effects: another’s offence can endanger even the righteous. Dharma therefore includes responsibility toward others—one must not commit acts that bring ruin upon the innocent.

What is the narrative situation?

Marīca warns that Rāvaṇa’s choices can destroy not only himself but also others connected to him, using a general moral observation.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Compassionate foresight: recognizing that harm can spread to dependents and bystanders.