Shloka 3.43.1

मायामृगदर्शनम् (The Vision of the Illusory Deer)

Devanagari script

सा तं सम्प्रेक्ष्य सुश्रोणी कुसुमान्यपचिन्वती।हेमराजतवर्णाभ्यां पार्श्वाभ्यामुपशोभितम्।।।।प्रहृष्टा चानवद्याङ्गी मृष्टहाटकवर्णिनी।भर्तारमपि चक्रन्द लक्ष्मणं चापि सायुधम्।।।।

Transliteration

sā taṃ samprekṣya suśroṇī kusumāny apacinvatī |

hema-rājata-varṇābhyāṃ pārśvābhyām upaśobhitam ||

prahṛṣṭā cānavadyāṅgī mṛṣṭa-hāṭaka-varṇinī |

bhartāram api cakranda lakṣmaṇaṃ cāpi sāyudham ||

Translation

As she gathered flowers, Sītā—slim-hipped, flawless-limbed, and radiant with a pure golden hue—caught sight of that deer, its flanks adorned with gold and silver coloring. Delighted, she called out to her husband and to Lakṣmaṇa, who stood armed.

Context

Sita while plucking flowers Sita who had fine hips, flawless beautiful limbs and pure golden complexion felt delighted to see the deer with gold and silver colours on both sides of his body. She called out to Rama and Lakshmana who were equipped with arms.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• the wondrous deer (mṛga)

FAQs

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

The verse foregrounds how sensory attraction can redirect attention. Dharmic living requires vigilance (apramāda), especially in the forest exile where protection and discernment are continual duties.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā, while picking flowers, sees the magical deer and excitedly calls to Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, initiating the chain of events that will separate them.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Lakṣmaṇa’s role as an armed protector is highlighted, pointing to the kṣatriya-aligned virtue of guardianship (rakṣaṇa) within the exile household.