Shloka 3.43.10

मायामृगदर्शनम् (The Vision of the Illusory Deer)

Devanagari script

इहाश्रमपदेऽस्माकं बहवः पुण्यदर्शनाः।मृगाश्चरन्ति सहिताश्चमरास्सृमरास्तथा।।।।

Transliteration

ihāśrama-pade 'smākaṃ bahavaḥ puṇya-darśanāḥ |

mṛgāś caranti sahitāś camarāḥ sṛmarās tathā ||

Translation

“Here on the grounds of our hermitage, many gentle creatures of auspicious appearance roam in herds—deer, and also camaras and antelopes.”

Context

Here at the hermitage there are many lovely deer, yaks and antelopes wandering in herds.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāma
• āśrama (hermitage)
• mṛga (deer)
• camarāḥ
• sṛmarāḥ

FAQs

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

It reflects the āśrama ideal: harmony with living beings and a peaceful environment. Dharma in the forest context includes non-violence and mindful coexistence.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā describes the normal, peaceful wildlife around their hermitage, setting up her contrast with the extraordinary deer she has just seen.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s gentle appreciation of the hermitage ecology reflects tenderness and a calm domestic spirit even during exile.