Shloka 3.43.48

मायामृगदर्शनम् (The Vision of the Illusory Deer)

Devanagari script

अप्रमत्तेन ते भाव्यमाश्रमस्थेन सीतया।।।।यावत्पृषतमेकेन सायकेन निहन्म्यहम्।हत्वैतच्चर्म चादाय शीघ्रमेष्यामि लक्ष्मण।।।।

Transliteration

apramattena te bhāvyam āśramasthena sītayā | yāvat pṛṣatam ekena sāyakena nihanmy aham | hatvaitac carma cādāya śīghram eṣyāmi lakṣmaṇa ||

Translation

Stay here at the hermitage with Sītā, vigilant and uncareless. With a single arrow I will kill the speckled deer, take its hide, and return swiftly, Lakṣmaṇa.

Context

Keep vigil over Sita at the hermitage, O Lakshmana ! I will certainly kill the speckled antelope with a single arrow, get his skin and come back quickly.

Characters & Entities

• Lakṣmaṇa
• Sītā
• Hermitage (āśrama)
• Speckled deer (pṛṣata)
• Arrow (sāyaka)
• Deerskin (carma)

FAQs

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

Dharma is sustained by vigilance: when one duty calls you away, you must ensure protection and attentiveness remain with those entrusted to you.

What is the narrative situation?

Before pursuing the deer, Rāma assigns Lakṣmaṇa the explicit task of guarding Sītā at the hermitage and promises a swift return.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Pramāda-rahitatā (freedom from negligence): Lakṣmaṇa is urged to be apramatta—constantly alert.