Shloka 3.43.31
मायामृगदर्शनम् (The Vision of the Illusory Deer)
धनानि व्यवसायेन विचीयन्ते महावने।धातवो विविधाश्चापि मणिरत्नसुवर्णिनः।।।।
māṃsahetor api mṛgān vinodārthaṃ ca dhanvanaḥ |
ghnanti lakṣmaṇa rājāno mṛgayāyāṃ mahāvane || 3.43.30 ||
O Lakṣmaṇa, kings who are archers, while on a hunt in the great forest, kill deer both for meat and also for sport.
From huge forests a variety of mineral wealth consisting of gems, stones and gold are collected with great effort.
It raises the ethical tension between need and indulgence: taking life for necessity (food) is distinguished from killing for mere sport, prompting reflection on restraint and righteous use of power.
As the deer captivates Sītā, Rāma discusses hunting practices, framing the pursuit of the deer as something kings do—thus rationalizing the chase within a royal-forest context.
Rāma’s awareness of social norms and royal conduct (rāja-dharma), alongside the implied need for moderation.