Shloka 3.40.12

मारीचोपदेश-प्रतिषेधः / Ravana Rejects Maricha’s Counsel and Orders the Golden Deer Deception

Devanagari script

पञ्च रूपाणि राजानो धारयन्त्यमितौजसः।अग्नेरिन्द्रस्य सोमस्य वरुणस्य यमस्य च।।3.40.12।।

Transliteration

pañca rūpāṇi rājāno dhārayanty amitaujasaḥ |

agner indrasya somasya varuṇasya yamasya ca ||

Translation

Kings of immeasurable power assume five aspects: of Fire, of Indra, of Soma (the Moon), of Varuṇa, and of Yama.

Context

Very powerful kings assume five forms like fire, Indra, Moon, Varuna and Yama.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Mārīca
• Agni
• Indra
• Soma
• Varuṇa
• Yama
• Kings (rājānaḥ)

FAQs

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

Rajadharma requires a ruler to embody multiple modes—severity, valor, gentleness, restraint, and justice—according to circumstance.

What is the narrative situation?

In defending his status, Rāvaṇa describes the quasi-divine dimensions of kingship to demand deference from Mārīca.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The ideal of balanced rulership (multi-aspect governance), even though Rāvaṇa himself fails to live up to it.