Shloka 3.40.25

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

Devanagari script

प्राप्य सीतामयुद्धेन वञ्चयित्वा तु राघवम्।लङ्कां प्रतिगमिष्यामि कृतकार्यस्सह त्वया।।3.40.25।।

Transliteration

prāpya sītām ayuddhena vañcayitvā tu rāghavam | laṅkāṃ pratigamiṣyāmi kṛtakāryaḥ saha tvayā || 3.40.25 ||

Translation

By deceiving Raghava and obtaining Sita without battle, I will return toward Lanka—my purpose accomplished—together with you.

Context

I will deceive Rama and obtain Sita, without waging a war. With the work done, I will return to Lanka along with you.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Mārīca
• Rāma (Rāghava)
• Sītā
• Laṅkā

FAQs

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

It condemns achieving aims through छल (deceit) rather than righteous means; dharma values honorable conduct, especially in conflict.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa outlines the endgame of the plan: deceive Rāma, seize Sītā without open battle, and return to Laṅkā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The implied virtue is honor (yuddha-dharma): rightful struggle is contrasted with Rāvaṇa’s preference for stealth and trickery.