Shloka 3.44.2

मारीचवधः — The Slaying of Maricha (Golden Deer Deception)

Devanagari script

तत स्त्र्यवनतं चापमादायाऽत्मविभूषणम्।आबध्य च कलापौ द्वौ जगामोदग्रविक्रमः।।।।

Transliteration

tena marmaṇi nirviddhaṃ śareṇānupamena hi |

mṛgarūpaṃ tu tat tyaktvā rākṣasaṃ rūpam āsthitaḥ ||

cakre sa sumahākāyaṃ mārīco jīvitaṃ tyajan ||

Translation

Pierced in a vital spot by that matchless arrow, Mārīca abandoned the deer-form and assumed his rākṣasa shape; relinquishing life, he manifested his huge body.

Context

A man of indomitable prowess, he took the bow with three curves that was like an ornament to him, tied two quivers at the back and left.

Characters & Entities

• Mārīca
• rākṣasa
• arrow (śara)

FAQs

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

Truth surfaces when deception collapses: the concealed identity is forced into revelation, underscoring that adharma depends on disguise but cannot sustain it indefinitely.

What is the narrative situation?

Mārīca, mortally wounded, drops the illusory deer-body and appears in his true demonic form as he nears death.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s steadfastness in confronting falsehood: the ‘matchless arrow’ symbolizes decisive action aligned with protection and righteousness.