Shloka 3.44.21

मारीचवधः — The Slaying of Maricha (Golden Deer Deception)

Devanagari script

तं दृष्ट्वा पतितं भूमौ राक्षसं घोरदर्शनम्।।।।रामो रुधिरसिक्ताङ्गं चेष्टमानं महीतले।जगाम मनसा सीतां लक्ष्मणस्य वचस्स्मरन्।।।।

Transliteration

mārīcasya tu māyaiṣā pūrvoktaṃ lakṣmaṇena tu |

tat tathā hy abhavac cādya mārīco 'yaṃ mayā hataḥ ||

Translation

This indeed is Mārīca’s illusion—just as Lakṣmaṇa had foretold. And so it has happened today: this Mārīca has been slain by me.

Context

Seeing that terrific demon fallen on the ground, drenched in blood, and strring his limbs, Rama thought of Lakshmana's words and reached Sita mentally (thought of her).

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Mārīca
• Lakṣmaṇa
• māyā (illusion)

FAQs

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

Recognition of truth amid illusion: dharma requires clarity (yathārtha-jñāna) and respect for sound counsel, not being misled by appearances.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma realizes the event matches Lakṣmaṇa’s warning: Mārīca’s māyā has played out, and Mārīca is now dead.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence and humility before good advice: Rāma validates Lakṣmaṇa’s foresight rather than dismissing it.