Shloka 3.40.20

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

Devanagari script

अपक्रान्ते तु काकुत्स्थे दूरं यात्वाप्युदाहर।हा सीते लक्ष्मणेत्येवं रामवाक्यानुरूपकम्।।3.40.20।।

Transliteration

apakrānte tu kākutsthe dūraṃ yātvā api udāhara | hā sīte lakṣmaṇa iti evaṃ rāmavākyānurūpakam || 3.40.20 ||

Translation

Once the scion of Kakutstha has been drawn away, go some distance and then cry, “Alas, Sītā! Alas, Lakṣmaṇa!”—mimicking Rāma’s very words in a voice like his.

Context

Divert Rama to a far-off place and cry, 'Alas, Sita!, Alas, Lakshmana', imitating the voice of Rama.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Mārīca
• Rāma (Kākutstha)
• Sītā
• Lakṣmaṇa

FAQs

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

Impersonation to cause fear and separation is a form of falsehood; dharma is grounded in satya and non-harm, both violated by this tactic.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa instructs Mārīca to lure Rāma away and then imitate Rāma’s cry to force Lakṣmaṇa to leave Sītā alone.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By contrast, the virtue of protection and duty (rakṣaṇa-dharma) is highlighted—Lakṣmaṇa is manipulated into abandoning his protective role.