Shloka 3.43.12
मायामृगदर्शनम् (The Vision of the Illusory Deer)
न चास्य सदृशो राजन्दृष्टपूर्वो मृगो मया।तेजसा क्षमया दीप्त्या यथाऽयं मृगसत्तमः।।।।
na cāsya sadṛśo rājan dṛṣṭa-pūrvo mṛgo mayā |
tejasā kṣamayā dīptyā yathā 'yaṃ mṛga-sattamaḥ ||
“O prince, never before have I seen a deer like this finest of deer—so radiant in splendor, so gentle in bearing, and so brilliant in sheen.”
O prince ! this kind of beautiful, tame and glittering deer I have never seen before.
The verse teaches the need for viveka (discernment): extraordinary appearances can be misleading. Dharma is protected not only by strength but by clear judgment.
Sītā expresses astonishment at the deer’s unprecedented beauty and gentleness, increasing her desire to possess it and setting up Rāma’s pursuit.
Sītā attributes “kṣamā” (gentleness/forbearance) to the deer—ironically projecting virtue onto a deceptive form, highlighting her innocence.