Shloka 3.44.19

मारीचवधः — The Slaying of Maricha (Golden Deer Deception)

Devanagari script

स प्राप्तकालमाज्ञाय चकार च तत स्वनम्।सदृशं राघवस्येह हा सीते लक्ष्मणेति च।।।।

Transliteration

sa prāptakālam ājñāya cakāra ca tataḥ svanam |

sadṛśaṃ rāghavasyeha hā sīte lakṣmaṇeti ca ||

Translation

Recognizing that the moment had arrived, he then produced a cry here, imitating Rāghava’s voice: “Alas, Sītā! Alas, Lakṣmaṇa!”

Context

Then Maricha realised that the appropriate time had come. In a voice similar to Rama's, he shouted loudly 'Alas Sita, Alas Lakshmana !'

Characters & Entities

• Mārīca
• Rāghava (Rāma)
• Sītā
• Lakṣmaṇa

FAQs

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

Satya versus māyā: imitation of a righteous person’s voice is a misuse of trust; dharma cautions against being driven solely by emotional shock without verification.

What is the narrative situation?

Mārīca executes the key deception—calling out in Rāma’s voice to provoke Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa into rash action.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The virtue tested is discernment (viveka): the household’s duty of protection must be guided by reason, not only by fear and affection.