Shloka 3.40.23

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

Devanagari script

एवं कृत्वा त्विदं कार्यं यथेष्टं गच्छ राक्षस।राज्यस्यार्धं प्रयच्छामि मारीच तव सुव्रत।।3.40.23।।

Transliteration

evaṃ kṛtvā tv idaṃ kāryaṃ yathā-iṣṭaṃ gaccha rākṣasa | rājyasya ardhaṃ prayacchāmi mārīca tava suvrata || 3.40.23 ||

Translation

Having carried out this task in this manner, go wherever you please, O rākṣasa. O Mārīca of firm resolve, I will grant you half my kingdom.

Context

You may go wherever you want after accomplishing this task. I will give you, O demon of determination half my kingdom.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Mārīca

FAQs

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

It shows corruption of judgment through inducement: offering power as a reward for wrongdoing opposes dharma, which requires right means, not merely desired ends.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa attempts to secure Mārīca’s cooperation by promising a major political reward—half the kingdom.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The virtue under pressure is integrity—resisting unethical incentives even when they are materially overwhelming.