Shloka 3.44.27

मारीचवधः — The Slaying of Maricha (Golden Deer Deception)

Devanagari script

निहत्य पृषतं चान्यं मांसमादाय राघवः।त्वरमाणो जनस्थानं ससाराभिमुखस्तदा।।।।

Transliteration

muhūrtād eva dadṛśe muhur dūrāt prakāśate |

darśanādarśanād evaṃ so ’pākarṣata rāghavam |

sudūram āśramasyāsya mārīco mṛgatāṃ gataḥ ||

Translation

For a moment it would be seen, and the next moment it would show itself far away. By thus appearing and disappearing, Mārīca—having assumed the form of a deer—drew Rāghava far from that hermitage.

Context

Then Rama killed another deer, collected the venison and hastened to Janasthana.ইত্যার্ষে শ্রীমদ্রামাযণে বাল্মীকীয আদিকাব্যে অরণ্যকাণ্ডে চতুশ্চত্বারিংশস্সর্গঃ৷Thus ends the fortyfourth sarga of Aranyakanda of the holy Ramayana the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Characters & Entities

• Mārīca
• Rāma (Rāghava)
• Āśrama (hermitage)

FAQs

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

It highlights how adharma operates through distraction and distance—separating protectors from those they must protect. Dharma includes safeguarding duties without being lured away by illusion.

What is the narrative situation?

Mārīca’s deer-form strategically alternates visibility to lead Rāma far from the hermitage.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Implicitly, the need for prudence and protective responsibility (rakṣaṇa-dharma), even when confronted with enticing appearances.