Shloka 3.41.15

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

Devanagari script

अवश्यं विनशिष्यन्ति सर्वे रावण राक्षसाः।येषां त्वं कर्कशो राजा दुर्बुद्धिरजितेन्द्रियः।।।।

Transliteration

svāminā pratikūlena prajāḥ tīkṣṇena rāvaṇa | rakṣyamāṇā na vardhante meṣā gomāyunā yathā ||

Translation

O Rāvaṇa, people protected by a master who is hostile and cruel do not prosper—like sheep ‘guarded’ by a jackal.

Context

Under a rude, crooked king whose senses are not under his control the demons will surely perish.

Characters & Entities

• Mārīca
• Rāvaṇa
• prajā (subjects)
• gomāyu (jackal)
• meṣa (sheep)

FAQs

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

A ruler’s dharma is genuine protection; when ‘protection’ is driven by hostility and cruelty, it becomes exploitation and leads to decline.

What is the narrative situation?

Mārīca rebukes Rāvaṇa’s disposition, using a sharp simile to show that tyrannical rule cannot nurture prosperity.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Dayā (compassion) and anukampā (care for dependents) as foundations of righteous rule.