Shloka 3.43.49

मायामृगदर्शनम् (The Vision of the Illusory Deer)

Devanagari script

अप्रमत्तेन ते भाव्यमाश्रमस्थेन सीतया।।3.43.48।।यावत्पृषतमेकेन सायकेन निहन्म्यहम्।हत्वैतच्चर्म चादाय शीघ्रमेष्यामि लक्ष्मण।।3.43.49।।

Transliteration

apramattena te bhāvyam āśramasthena sītayā || (3.43.48) || yāvat pṛṣatam ekena sāyakena nihanmy aham | hatvaitac carma cādāya śīghram eṣyāmi lakṣmaṇa || (3.43.49) ||

Translation

Remain at the hermitage with Sītā, fully vigilant. With a single arrow I will kill the speckled deer, take its hide, and return quickly, 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?

The repeated instruction underscores dharma as sustained attentiveness—negligence in protection is itself a moral failure.

What is the narrative situation?

A reiteration (or alternate numbering) of Rāma’s directive to Lakṣmaṇa to guard Sītā while he pursues the deer.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadfast guardianship: unwavering alertness while entrusted with another’s safety.