Shloka 3.44.22

मारीचवधः — The Slaying of Maricha (Golden Deer Deception)

Devanagari script

तं दृष्ट्वा पतितं भूमौ राक्षसं घोरदर्शनम्।।3.44.21।।रामो रुधिरसिक्ताङ्गं चेष्टमानं महीतले।जगाम मनसा सीतां लक्ष्मणस्य वचस्स्मरन्।।3.44.22।।

Transliteration

hā sīte lakṣmaṇety evam ākruśya ca mahāsvaram |

mamāra rākṣasas so 'yaṃ śrutvā sītā kathaṃ bhavet ||

lakṣmaṇaś ca mahābāhuḥ kāmavasthāṃ gamiṣyati |

iti sañcintya dharmātmā rāmo hṛṣṭatanūruhaḥ ||

Translation

Crying out loudly, “Alas, Sītā! Alas, Lakṣmaṇa!”, this rākṣasa has died. When Sītā hears that cry, how will she fare? And what state will mighty-armed Lakṣmaṇa fall into? Thinking thus, righteous Rāma’s hair stood on end.

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
• Sītā
• Lakṣmaṇa
• rākṣasa

FAQs

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

Protective responsibility: dharma is not only defeating evil but also anticipating the effects of deception on the innocent and acting to safeguard them.

What is the narrative situation?

Mārīca dies after imitating Rāma’s cry. Rāma immediately worries about how Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa will react upon hearing it.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Compassionate vigilance: Rāma’s righteousness shows as anxious care for others’ well-being and swift moral awareness of danger.