Shloka 3.41.1

मारीचस्य रावणं प्रति नीत्युपदेशः (Maricha’s Counsel on Kingship and Ruin to Ravana)

Devanagari script

आज्ञप्तो राजवद्वाक्यं प्रतिकूलं निशाचरः।अब्रवीत्परुषं वाक्यं मारीचो राक्षसाधिपम्।।।।

Transliteration

ājñapto rājavad vākyaṃ pratikūlaṃ niśācaraḥ |

abravīt paruṣaṃ vākyaṃ mārīco rākṣasādhipam ||3.41.1||

Translation

Compelled by a kingly command that ran against his own judgment, the night-roaming demon Mārīca spoke harsh words to the lord of the rākṣasas.

Context

At this royal command which was against his interest Maracha used harsh words to the demon-king:

Characters & Entities

• Mārīca
• Rāvaṇa
• Rākṣasas

FAQs

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

Dharma in counsel involves speaking truth to power, even at personal risk. The verse marks a shift: Mārīca, pressured by authority, still responds—signaling the moral duty of warning.

What is the narrative situation?

After being commanded by Rāvaṇa, Mārīca begins his reply, described as harsh due to the coercive and dangerous context.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The virtue is frankness in counsel (even if sharp), arising from awareness of impending danger and the need to restrain wrongdoing.