Shloka 3.43.9

मायामृगदर्शनम् (The Vision of the Illusory Deer)

Devanagari script

आर्यपुत्राभिरामोऽसौ मृगो हरति मे मनः।आनयैनं महाबाहो क्रीडार्थं नो भविष्यति।।।।

Transliteration

āryaputrābhirāmo 'sau mṛgo harati me manaḥ | ānayainaṃ mahābāho krīḍārthaṃ no bhaviṣyati ||

Translation

O noble prince, that charming deer has stolen my heart. Bring it, O long-armed one—let it become a playmate for us.

Context

O prince! O long-armed one, this deer has captivated my mind. Fetch him for me.This will be our playmate.

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāma (Mahābāhu, Āryaputra)
• mṛga (deer)

FAQs

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

The verse illustrates how desire (kāma/longing) can pressure dharmic decision-making; dharma requires balancing affection with prudent judgment and responsibility.

What is the narrative situation?

Sītā, enchanted by the deer, asks Rāma to capture and bring it back so it may be kept for their enjoyment.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s affectionate spontaneity is visible, but the episode mainly underscores the need for discernment when desire arises.