Shloka 3.43.15
मायामृगदर्शनम् (The Vision of the Illusory Deer)
यदि ग्रहणमभ्येति जीवन्नेव मृगस्तव।आश्चर्यभूतं भवति विस्मयं जनयिष्यति।।।।
yadi grahaṇam abhyeti jīvann eva mṛgas tava |
āścarya-bhūtaṃ bhavati vismayaṃ janayiṣyati ||
If this deer could be captured alive for you, it would indeed be a marvel and would awaken great wonder.
If this deer can be caught alive, it will be thrilling, it will work wonders.
The verse raises the tension between harmless curiosity and risky pursuit. Dharma prioritizes protection of dependents and situational wisdom over acquiring wonders or trophies.
Sītā suggests capturing the deer alive, a request that will lead Rāma away from the hermitage and enable the abduction plot.
The needed virtue is prudence (nīti/buddhi): choosing security and duty over fascination, especially in a hostile wilderness.