Shloka 3.40.16

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

Devanagari script

अस्मिंस्तु त्वं महाकृत्ये साहाय्यं कर्तुमर्हसि।शृणु तत्कर्म साहाय्ये यत्कार्यं वचनान्मम।।3.40.16।।

Transliteration

asmiṃs tu tvaṃ mahākṛtye sāhāyyaṃ kartum arhasi |

śṛṇu tat karma sāhāyye yat kāryaṃ vacanān mama ||

Translation

In this great undertaking, you ought to render me assistance. Hear the deed you must do as aid, according to my command.

Context

You have to help me in accomplishing this great task .Hear me on the kind of work you have to do.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Mārīca

FAQs

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

The verse sets up the ethical conflict: true dharma requires refusing wrongful commands; obedience without moral reflection becomes complicity in adharma.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa demands Mārīca’s cooperation for his plan, transitioning to specific operational instructions.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral courage (to resist unethical orders) is the implied virtue, though the speech itself is coercive.