Shloka 3.43.37

मायामृगदर्शनम् (The Vision of the Illusory Deer)

Devanagari script

यदि वाऽयं तथा यन्मां भवेद्वदसि लक्ष्मण।मायैषा राक्षसस्येति कर्तव्योस्य वधो मया।।।।

Transliteration

yadi vāyaṃ tathā yan māṃ bhaved vadasi lakṣmaṇa | māyaiṣā rākṣasasyeti kartavyo 'sya vadho mayā ||

Translation

Lakṣmaṇa, even if it proves exactly as you say—an illusion wrought by a rākṣasa—then all the more is it my duty to slay him.

Context

Lakshmana, as you say, if it is the illusion of a demon, even then it should be killed by me.

Characters & Entities

• Lakṣmaṇa
• rākṣasa
• māyā (illusion)

FAQs

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

Rama frames action as duty: deception that harms the innocent must be opposed. Even when truth is uncertain, Dharma demands readiness to neutralize proven threats to righteous life.

What is the narrative situation?

Lakṣmaṇa warns that the deer may be a demon’s illusion; Rama replies that if it is indeed demonic deception, he must kill it.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Protective responsibility (kṣātra-dharma) and resolve: Rama asserts the obligation to confront rākṣasa-violence and deceit.