Shloka 3.43.7
मायामृगदर्शनम् (The Vision of the Illusory Deer)
मृगो ह्येवंविधो रत्नविचित्रो नास्ति राघव।जगत्यां जगतीनाथ मायैषा हि न संशयः।।।।
mṛgo hy evaṃvidho ratnavicitro nāsti rāghava | jagatyāṃ jagatīnātha māyaiṣā hi na saṃśayaḥ ||
O Rāghava, lord of the world—no such deer, glittering with jewel-like brilliance, exists anywhere on earth. This is surely a deception; there is no doubt.
O Rama, lord of the world! nowhere on earth does exist this kind of wonderful deer sparkling with gems. That it is a mere trick, an illusion there is no doubt.
Dharma here emphasizes viveka—clear discernment and truth-seeking (satya) over being swayed by appearances. One should test what seems extraordinary and remain vigilant against deception.
In the forest, a wondrous jeweled deer appears. Lakṣmaṇa warns Rāma that such a creature cannot exist naturally and must be an illusion or trick.
Lakṣmaṇa’s prudence and protective vigilance—he prioritizes truth and safety over fascination with marvels.