Shloka 3.44.25

मारीचवधः — The Slaying of Maricha (Golden Deer Deception)

Devanagari script

हा सीते लक्ष्मणेत्येवमाक्रुश्य च महास्वरम्।ममार राक्षसस्सोऽयं श्रुत्वा सीता कथं भवेत्।।3.44.24।।लक्ष्मणश्च महाबाहुः कामवस्थां गमिष्यति।इति सञ्चिन्त्य धर्मात्मा रामो हृष्टतनूरुहः।।3.44.25।।

Transliteration

taṃ vañcayāno rājendram āpatantaṃ nirīkṣya vai |

babhūvāntarhitas trāsāt punaḥ sandarśane ’bhavat ||

baddhāsir dhanur ādāya pradudrāva yato mṛgaḥ ||

Translation

Deceiving the kingly Rāma, the deer saw him rushing forward; out of fear it vanished from sight, and then appeared again. Sword fastened and bow in hand, Rāma ran after it wherever the deer fled.

Context

This demon Maricha screamed aloud saying, 'Alas, Sita, Alas, Lakshmana'. He is now dead. How would Sita react to this voice? What would be the condition of Lakshmana? While righteous Rama reflected on this, his hair stood on end.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma (Kākutstha, Rājendra)
• Mārīca (implied as the deceptive deer)
• Forest (mahāvana context)

FAQs

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

The verse contrasts dharma with adharma: Rāma acts with straightforward resolve, while the rākṣasa uses deceit. It warns that deception (māyā) can divert even the righteous if vigilance is relaxed.

What is the narrative situation?

Mārīca, disguised as a deer, repeatedly vanishes and reappears to lure Rāma away; Rāma pursues with weapons ready.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s courage and determination in protecting his household, even as he is tested by a deceptive stratagem.