Shloka 3.40.26

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

Devanagari script

न चेत्करोषि मारीच हन्मि त्वामहमद्य वै।एतत्कार्यमवश्यं मे बलादपि करिष्यसि।राज्ञो हि प्रतिकूलस्थो न जातु सुखमेधते।।3.40.26।।

Transliteration

na cet karoṣi mārīca hanmi tvām aham adya vai | etat kāryam avaśyaṃ me balād api kariṣyasi | rājño hi pratikūlastho na jātu sukham edhate || 3.40.26 ||

Translation

If you do not do this, Maricha, I will kill you this very day. In any case, you will carry out this task for me—even by force. For one who stands against a king never thrives in comfort.

Context

O Maricha! if you do not do this, I will kill you now. Or, by force make you do this work. No one who goes against the king lives in comfort.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Mārīca

FAQs

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

It contrasts righteous kingship with tyranny: dharma-based rule protects and persuades; adharma-based rule coerces through fear and violence.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa escalates from persuasion to threat, insisting Mārīca must participate in the scheme or be killed.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The virtue highlighted by negation is just leadership (rāja-dharma): a king should not compel immoral acts, nor punish dissent rooted in prudence.