Shloka 3.43.27
मायामृगदर्शनम् (The Vision of the Illusory Deer)
पश्यास्य जृम्भमाणस्य दीप्तामग्निशिखोपमाम्।जिह्वां मुखान्निस्सरन्तीं मेघादिव शतह्रदाम्।।।।
pratilomānulomāś ca rucirā romarājayaḥ |
śobhante mṛgam āśritya citrāḥ kanakabindavaḥ || 3.43.26 ||
Upon the deer, the lovely lines of hair—some lying with the grain and some against it—shine beautifully; and the variegated golden spots upon its body appear splendid.
Look at his tongue stretched out of the mouth while yawning. It is glowing like flaming fire. It is like the lightning sparkling in the cloud.
The verse shows how sensory beauty can enchant the mind; Dharma requires mastery over the senses so that appearance does not replace truth (satya).
Rāma continues describing the deer’s extraordinary markings, explaining why it captivates Sītā and draws attention.
Self-awareness in the face of temptation—recognizing the power of outward charm is a step toward restraint and right action.