Shloka 3.40.19

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

Devanagari script

त्वां तु मायामृगं दृष्ट्वा काञ्चनं जातविस्मया।आनयैनमिति क्षिप्रं रामं वक्ष्यति मैथिली।।3.40.19।।

Transliteration

tvāṃ tu māyāmṛgaṃ dṛṣṭvā kāñcanaṃ jātavismayā | ānaya enam iti kṣipraṃ rāmaṃ vakṣyati maithilī || 3.40.19 ||

Translation

But when Maithilī sees you—the illusory golden deer—astonishment will seize her, and she will quickly say to Rāma, “Bring that one for me.”

Context

Seeing the illusory golden deer, Sita, wonder-struck, will at once ask Rama to get thedeer.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Mārīca
• Sītā (Maithilī)
• Rāma

FAQs

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

It warns how illusion and desire can cloud discernment; dharma is supported by viveka (clear judgment) and resistance to deceptive allurements.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa predicts that Sītā, captivated by the marvelous deer, will urge Rāma to capture it—creating the separation Rāvaṇa seeks.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The need for prudence and discernment (viveka) is emphasized—without it, even the good may be drawn into a trap set by adharma.