Shloka 3.44.20
मारीचवधः — The Slaying of Maricha (Golden Deer Deception)
तेन मर्मणि निर्विद्धं शरेणानुपमेन हि।मृगरूपं तु तत्त्यक्त्वा राक्षसं रूपमास्थितः।।।।चक्रे स सुमहाकायं मारीचो जीवितं त्यजन्।
taṃ dṛṣṭvā patitaṃ bhūmau rākṣasaṃ ghoradarśanam |
rāmo rudhirasiktāṅgaṃ ceṣṭamānaṃ mahītale |
jagāma manasā sītāṃ lakṣmaṇasya vacaḥ smaran ||
Seeing that dreadful-looking rākṣasa fallen on the ground, his limbs drenched in blood and still twitching upon the earth, Rāma—remembering Lakṣmaṇa’s words—turned his mind at once toward Sītā.
Struck in the vital part by Rama's matchless dart, Maricha gave up the form of the deer and assumed his huge body of the demon.
Heeding wise counsel: dharma includes listening to prudent advice (Lakṣmaṇa’s warning) and acting with protective concern for dependents (Sītā).
After seeing Mārīca’s true form on the ground, Rāma recalls Lakṣmaṇa’s earlier caution and immediately worries for Sītā.
Responsibility and foresight: Rāma’s mind turns to Sītā’s safety, showing guardianship and moral attentiveness beyond mere victory.