Shloka 3.40.1
मारीचोपदेश-प्रतिषेधः / Ravana Rejects Maricha’s Counsel and Orders the Golden Deer Deception
मारीचेन तु तद्वाक्यं क्षमं युक्तं च निशाचरः।उक्तो न प्रतिजग्राह मर्तुकाम इवौषधम्।।3.40.1।।
mārīcena tu tadvākyaṃ kṣamaṃ yuktaṃ ca niśācaraḥ |
ukto na pratijagrāha martukāma ivauṣadham ||
Though Mārīca spoke advice that was fitting and well-reasoned, the night-roamer (Rāvaṇa) did not accept it—like a man bent on death refusing medicine.
The demon Ravana did not heed the appropriate advice of the competent Maricha just like a man wishing to die refuses medicine.
A ruler’s dharma includes listening to truthful, well-judged counsel; rejecting good advice due to obsession or arrogance leads to self-destruction.
After hearing Mārīca’s prudent warning, Rāvaṇa refuses to accept it, foreshadowing the calamity that follows from abducting Sītā.
Prudence (viveka) is highlighted by contrast: Mārīca shows discernment, while Rāvaṇa displays reckless obstinacy.